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May 7, 2025, With unusual vigor, India's head coach Gautam Gambhir has spoken out against a culture of entitlement that he claims is spreading among longtime pundits and former players. After months of rumors, taunts, and public censure, the coach finally made his point during his presence at the 'India ABP 2047' summit.
Extremes have occurred throughout Gambhir's tenure as Team India's manager. He experienced early setbacks after taking Rahul Dravid's place in late 2024, including a humiliating 3-0 home Test loss to New Zealand and another thumping at the hands of Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
But just when critics were sharpening their knives, India surged back to win the 2025 Champions Trophy - a major ICC title that turned the mood in the camp and across the country.
Despite the victory, criticism didn't ease. From technical decisions to his past records, and even his share of the Champions Trophy prize money - questions kept coming. On stage in New Delhi, Gambhir responded without hesitation.
"Criticism is natural in sport. But Indian cricket is not the property of a handful of commentators who've had a mic for 25 years," he said. "It belongs to 140 crore Indians - not a few sitting in studios pretending to speak for the nation."
Though he didn't name names, Gambhir's words were seen as a pointed retort to senior voices who've dominated TV panels and questioned his methods and motives.
Much of the controversy surrounded the BCCI's reward after the Champions Trophy win - and whether Gambhir, like Dravid, would share it with the support staff. The coach dismissed the discussion as invasive and misdirected.
"Do I owe an explanation for how I use what I earn? I don't think so," Gambhir said. "Some of these critics don't even live in India full-time. They work here, earn here, and shift their money abroad. I’ve never hidden behind flags or labels - I'm Indian, always will be."
His comments drew applause from the live audience and reignited online debate about what defines commitment in the world of cricket.
For now, Gambhir is taking a short break - as Indian coaches are not permitted to take IPL assignments - but the road ahead is demanding. India's five-match Test series against England kicks off in June, a crucial assignment as the red-ball side looks to recover from back-to-back humiliations.
The series might very well define Gambhir's next phase as a leader, restoring pride one Test at a time, as well as a coach.
