Gary Kirsten - the 2011 World Cup-winning India coach - has raised questions about Gautam Gambhir's style of coaching and his rapport with players in the Indian team. Gambhir took over the role of India’s head coach from Rahul Dravid in June 2024. However, India's performance in Test cricket under his leadership has gone downhill, with series defeats at home against New Zealand and then away in Australia. Now, India are staring at another series loss as they face a must win situation against England in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester. India currently trail the series 1-2 after losing the Lord’s Test by 22 runs. The only silverware Gambhir has won as a coach so far is the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Kirsten, who was at the helm of the Indian team from 2008 to 2011, reflected on Gambhir's personality, having seen him closely while coaching India.

“Well, I don't know Gautam Gambhir, the coach, at all. Gautam, the player, I absolutely loved. He's got a toughness to him that is very useful. I think he's really strong," Kirsten told Rediff.

"But he's got a personality and he's got a style. The big thing is: does that personality and style connect with Indian players? That's really what it's going to be about,” Kirsten remarked.

“He's had success in the IPL. I remember when we split the one-day team and the Test team, and we made him the one-day captain against New Zealand before coming to South Africa. And he did a fantastic job,” the former South Africa opener added.

Gambhir famously scored 97 runs in the 2011 World Cup final against Sri Lanka and helped the team recover from early setbacks, especially after India lost the wickets of Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar. Gambhir first shared an 83-run partnership with Virat Kohli (who scored 35), before building a 109-run stand with MS Dhoni, who remained unbeaten on 91 to power India to victory.

As a coach, Gambhir led Kolkata Knight Riders to the Indian Premier League title in 2024 as a mentor.

“He’s had success in the IPL. I remember when we split the one-day team and the Test team and we made him the one-day captain against New Zealand before coming to South Africa. And he did a fantastic job,” Kirsten recalled. “I don’t know enough about how it’s going or how he’s going with the players. But all I do know is that he’s got incredible skill in the game of cricket.”

“I’m thoroughly fond of Gautam and I just hope that he’s getting the support he needs and that the players are starting to, if not already, kind of warm to him and understand how he wants to operate and whether he can add value to the team,” Kirsten concluded.