Harbhajan Singh calls for India to adopt ‘split coaching’ after Gautam Gambhir’s poor Test returns

Harbhajan Singh, former India spinner, has called for the Indian team to adopt ‘split coaching’ and have separate coaches for Tests and white-ball formats. This comes after India has lost 8 out of 11 tests under Gautam Gambhir’s coaching tenure thus far.

Gambhir has done well in limited overs, as he supervised the Champions Trophy triumph for India. As a T20I coach, he has 13 victories and 2 losses. Under him, India has played in 11 ODI matches, with eight victories, two losses, and a draw.

However, his squad has fallen short in Test matches. In the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, they lost to Australia after defeating Bangladesh and then being humiliated by New Zealand. They are behind 1-2 in the current five-match Test series against England.

“It can be implemented”—Harbhajan Singh wants India to adopt split coaching

Speaking to India Today, Harbhajan Singh had a suggestion for the BCCI, asking the board to use split coaching in red-ball and white-ball formats.

“I feel if it can be implemented, there is nothing wrong with it. You have different teams and different players for formats. If we can do it, it’s a good option. It will reduce the workload for everyone, including the coaches. So, if it can happen, it isn't a bad option,” he said.

Additionally, he believed that a coach requires time to prepare for a series in whatever format, which adds a significant amount of labor to any coach.

“Because your coach also needs time to prepare for a series. Like five Tests against Australia, then in England, then elsewhere. So the coach can prepare and set out what his team should be. The same goes for a white-ball coach. He will need time to prepare as well.

If you overwork one coach for the whole year, he, too, has a family and responsibilities. Traveling constantly with family isn’t easy. So yes, if you ask me, splitting red-ball and white-ball coaching is a good move," said Harbhajan.

Gautam Gambhir’s future will be scrutinized as India is 1-2 down in the five-Test series against England. India has two more tests to either win the series or draw level. The fourth Test will be played in Manchester from July 23, and the fifth and final Test will be played at the Oval from July 31 onwards.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky365 and download the Sky365 App to start betting today!