Former India pacer Munaf Patel has given a staunch defense of Gautam Gambhir’s tenure as head coach, claiming that the former opener’s authority is the only thing keeping the Indian dressing room in check. Speaking on TOI Sports’ Bombay Sport Exchange Podcast, Patel claimed that Gambhir’s willingness to confront and even drop the game’s biggest superstars sets him apart from other modern coaches.
Munaf Patel’s comments come during a significant transition for the national party. After more than a year under Gambhir, a period that saw Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired from Test cricket after losing the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar series, the focus has shifted towards how the coach is managing a new era of talent.
THE POWER TO SAY NO
According to Patel, the biggest challenge in Indian cricket is not the technical challenge, but the ability to stand up to established icons.
“Virat Kohli ko ek cheez ‘no’ karke dikha de. Rohit Sharma ko ek cheez ‘no’ karke dikha de (Show me one person who can say ‘no’ to Virat Kohli. Show me one person who can say that to Rohit Sharma),” Patel said.
Munaf Patel said Gambhir’s strength lies in his lack of hesitation.
“Everybody knows that when someone steps out of line, they have the guts to drop them,” he said.
FINE MAN MANAGER
For Patel, who played alongside Gambhir in the 2011 World Cup, control rather than camaraderie defines the role of national coach.
The fast bowler, who is now the bowling coach of Delhi Capitals, maintained that players at the highest level do not need coaching but need to be managed.
“Ye level pe kya hi coaching kar loge? Aapko manage karna hi sabse important hai (What kind of coaching can you really do at this level? Managing people is most important),” he said.
“The coach should be in control. He can’t be a friend. If he is, then you’re messing up the system. There should be fear.”
INTEGRITY AND GREATNESS
Addressing Gambhir’s reputation as a polarizing and outspoken figure, Munaf Patel said the coach’s lack of political maneuvering is exactly what makes him unpopular with some.
“Just remember that if a head coach like Gautam Gambhir is removed, it will be very difficult to manipulate the players. He is a real person; he tells the truth as it is and a lot of people don’t like that,” Patel said.
He added that Gambhir’s motivations are purely sporting: “They still fear him – because he loves cricket, not money. You will never see him fighting for money. He doesn’t even need money.”
Munaf Patel also warned the BCCI of a grim scenario if the current leadership changes before the end of the transition period.
“If Gambhir leaves after three years, you will see things dissipate. Because he can maintain control. Absolutely – he has a complete control system,” Patel said.
“A lot of people don’t like it because it speaks to the face. It has no betrayal in its mind.”
Gambhir, who succeeded Rahul Dravid, oversaw India’s Champions Trophy victory in 2025 and T20 World Cup triumph in 2026. However, in Test cricket, Team India struggled under his coach, losing home series against South Africa and New Zealand.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
15 Apr 2026 18:43 IST
