Gautam Gambhir linked to Ranji Trophy coaching amid debate over India’s Test struggles

Summary: Gambhir is in talks for coaching Ranji teams amid the poor performance of the Indian team in Tests. 

Former India opener Gautam Gambhir is being tipped by several voices in the domestic circuit to take up a Ranji Trophy coaching role, a suggestion that comes as part of a broader conversation about India’s recent struggles in the longer format of the game.

The buzz around Gambhir isn’t just casual chatter — it stems from a belief that having strong, experienced leadership at the Ranji level could help nurture batsmen and bowlers better suited to the demands of Test cricket. With stalwarts like VVS Laxman also in the mix of names frequently mentioned for key roles, the discussion has sparked debate on what India needs to do to shore up its performance in red-ball cricket.

Gambhir, known for his aggressive mindset and success in big matches for India, has shown coaching potential in the IPL with Kolkata Knight Riders, where he helped guide the team to titles. Supporters of the idea argue that his emphasis on discipline, technique and mental toughness could benefit a generation of players who, critics say, have been too focused on the shorter formats.

The reality, some former players and analysts warn, is that India’s Test record in recent seasons hasn’t matched its dominance in T20S and ODIs. While the team still has high-quality individuals, there’s a sense that the transition from domestic cricket to Test readiness needs more attention — from better preparation to more tailored coaching at the grass-roots and Ranji levels.

For viewers, the talk isn’t just about names like Gambhir or Laxman. It’s about a larger gap they see between India’s current batch of red-ball players and the demands of playing long, challenging Test series abroad. Players who flourish in white-ball formats don’t always adapt seamlessly to five-day cricket, and that’s become a topic of serious discussion among coaches and selectors.

Putting former Test legends in domestic coaching roles is one idea making the rounds to address this. The hope is that their experience, especially under tough overseas conditions, will help young players develop the temperament and skills needed for success on the biggest stage.