The first year of Gautam Gambhir's tenure as the head coach of the Indian cricket team has been a topsy-turvy ride for the former Indian batter and his team.
They won the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 without losing a single match, but they have also struggled for consistency in Test cricket. They lost 3-0 to New Zealand at home, followed by a series defeat on the Australia tour.
Some experts and fans have also questioned Gambhir's credentials for being given such a big responsibility as head coach when he is still early in his coaching career.
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Before being appointed to the national team, his only major experience was as a mentor for franchises such as LSG and KKR in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
However, after India's dominant 336-run win at Edgbaston against England, the coach has found himself a new supporter in Yograj Singh, who believes he is doing a great job for the Indian team.
Yograj Singh backs India coach Gautam Gambhir
While speaking to ANI, after India's emphatic win after going 0-1 down in the series, the former India cricketer cited improvement in players' performances consistently and believed Gambhir is doing well.
He went on to mention the former opener alongside his son, Yuvraj Singh and Rahul Dravid, praising their efforts in guiding the next generation cricketers and giving back to the sport that gave them everything.
"The Indian players are consistently growing and improving their game. We will always support them. Gautam Gambhir ko kuch mat bolo [don't say anything to Gautam Gambhir]. He is doing well," Yograj remarked.
"Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh, and Rahul Dravid are giving back to cricket because they have received so much. Even if our team loses the series, we should not demoralise them," he continued.
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Yograj also congratulated Shubman Gill and co. for their top efforts in Edgbaston that led to India's historic win at the venue, their first in Test cricket history.
"It's astonishing that the team has performed the way it has without Virat Kohli, without Rohit Sharma. Well done, boys," he concluded.
How has India performed under Gautam Gambhir?
In his first year as India's coach, Gambhir has helped India in 4 Test wins in 12 matches alongside 8 ODI wins in 11 games, which include the triumphant Champions Trophy. They have also managed to win 16/20 in T20Is.
| Format | Played | Won | Lost | Tie/Draw |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 12 | 4 | 7 | 0/1 |
| ODIs | 11 | 8 | 2 | 1/0 |
| T20Is | 20 | 16 | 3 | 1/0 |
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