Former England spinner Monty Panesar has suggested that Gautam Gambhir should consider coaching a Ranji Trophy team to gain a better understanding of red-ball cricket. According to Panesar, Gambhir has shown success as a white-ball coach, but Test cricket requires a different mindset, planning, and team-building approach.
Monty Panesar Advises Ranji Trophy Coaching Stint
Panesar explained that working at the domestic level would help Gambhir understand the demands of long-format cricket. Coaching a Ranji Trophy side would allow him to interact with experienced domestic coaches and learn how to build a balanced red-ball team.
He believes that Test cricket requires patience, strong fundamentals, and long-term planning, which can only be learned through hands-on experience in domestic cricket. According to Panesar, this exposure would strengthen Gambhir’s ability to guide the national team in challenging Test conditions.
BCCI in Talks With VVS Laxman
Panesar’s comments come amid reports that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has approached former India cricketer VVS Laxman regarding the role of Test head coach. These discussions reportedly began following India’s recent struggles in red-ball cricket.
India suffered a disappointing Test series defeat against South Africa and also faced a 3-0 whitewash against New Zealand, results that have increased scrutiny on the current coaching setup.
India’s Test Team Facing Transition Phase
Speaking to ANI, Panesar stated that India is currently weak in Test cricket and rebuilding the team will take time. He pointed out that the retirement of senior players has made the transition phase more challenging.
According to him, preparing the next generation of players for Test cricket requires patience, consistency, and a clear understanding of red-ball fundamentals.
Panesar’s View on Shubman Gill’s Captaincy
Panesar also shared his opinion on India’s Test captain Shubman Gill, describing him as a highly talented but complacent cricketer. He noted that Gill often plays careless shots and may not yet be ready to handle leadership responsibilities across all formats.
While praising Gill’s natural ability, Panesar suggested that the burden of captaincy could affect his performance and overall development as a player.
Comparison With Virat Kohli
Comparing Gill with Virat Kohli, Panesar highlighted Kohli’s intensity, discipline, and aggressive mindset across all formats. He believes these qualities are essential for leadership in international cricket and are currently missing in Gill’s approach.
Conclusion
India’s recent Test struggles have raised serious questions about the team’s direction and leadership structure. Experts believe that strengthening domestic red-ball systems and gaining deeper Test cricket experience will be crucial for India’s long-term success in the format.
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