Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar minimized concerns about the lack of top-level experience, noting that Gambhir’s exceptional ability to read the game compensates effectively. Having previously worked with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) since his shift to coaching, the role of Team India head coach marks Gambhir's first significant position in international cricket. This also applies to assistant coaches Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate.
"Coaches have limited sort of impact in cricket. Rahul Dravid did a fantastic job, and the T20 World Cup win was something that he needed as a parting gift. He put his heart and soul in the game, and the same can be expected from Gautam Gambhir. I've known him for the last 3-4 years, and he is a guy who reads the game really well. One of the very few people who can be clinical about Indian cricket, and not too emotional," Manjrekar told ESPN Cricinfo.
Gautam Gambhir was instrumental in leading the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their third IPL championship earlier this year. His success proved pivotal, leading the BCCI to select him as Rahul Dravid's successor following the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Gambhir has frequently been in the spotlight. Sanjay Manjrekar thinks that Gambhir might alter his public image to benefit his role as the national team's coach. He is also interested to observe how the dynamic between Gambhir and Rohit Sharma develops.
“You know what we see of Gambhir is the public persona, as a player and as an expert in television. Now when he gets into the team as a coach, I’m sure somewhere he will change his ways a little bit, and think differently plus that relationship between captain and coach is such a private thing. You have no idea how the both of them are going to evolve with this relationship together”, he added.
The opening Test match between India and Bangladesh is set to begin on Thursday, September 19, at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.