Can success hide problems inside the Indian team? That is the question former India batter Mohammad Kaif has raised after giving Gautam Gambhir just 4 out of 10 for his first two years as India’s head coach, despite India winning two ICC trophies under his leadership.
India lifted the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and successfully defended the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup.
Despite, the team has also endured disappointing bilateral results, including home Test series setbacks and a recent 4-0 T20I series defeat in England. For Mohammad Kaif, the bigger concern is not just the results but the way the team is being managed.
Mohammad Kaif said a coach must maintain clear communication with every player, especially senior cricketers.
Referring to reports of differences between Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli, he said such situations are not good for the team.
He also stressed that players should always be told why they have been dropped or left out, instead of being left with doubts.
With the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon, Kaif believes India’s chances in overseas conditions will depend not only on performances but also on dressing room unity.
According to him, it is the coach’s responsibility to regularly speak with senior players, resolve concerns, and keep everyone moving in the same direction.
Kaif’s remarks have now sparked fresh debate around Gambhir’s coaching. Are India’s inconsistent performances only a matter of cricket, or could communication behind the scenes become an equally important challenge as the team builds towards the next World Cup?
