Former Pakistani Player Advocates for Gautam Gambhir’s Leadership to Rescue Troubled Pakistan Cricket Team

Former Pakistani Player Advocates for Gautam Gambhir’s Leadership to Rescue Troubled Pakistan Cricket Team

In an exclusive statement to Republic, Kaneria stressed the necessity for a robust coaching approach similar to Gambhir’s style to tackle the ongoing crisis in Pakistan cricket.

Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli | Image: NDTV Sports  

                                                                                                

In the wake of Pakistan's recent cricket woes, former player Danish Kaneria has urged the nation to look towards Gautam Gambhir's brand of direct and decisive leadership to turn their fortunes around. With the Pakistani team’s performance reaching new lows, including a dispiriting series against Bangladesh in August, Kaneria believes Gambhir’s no-nonsense approach could be the key to revitalizing the squad.

The August series highlighted Pakistan’s cricketing decline, with their dismal performance in the first Test—scoring a mere 146 in the second innings against Bangladesh's imposing 565—culminating in a ten-wicket defeat. Their struggles continued in the subsequent Test, leading to another loss by six wickets. The team’s persistent failures and lack of cohesion have raised serious questions about their management and internal dynamics, with the Pakistan Cricket Board facing criticism for poor decision-making.

Kaneria, in an exclusive statement to Republic, emphasized the need for a strong coaching presence, akin to Gambhir’s style, to address the current crisis.

                                                              Danish Kaneria | Image: Hindustan Times  

He argued that Pakistan’s revolving door of captains and inconsistent leadership have contributed to their downfall, contrasting this with the stability and effectiveness seen in teams like India under Rahul Dravid and Gambhir. Kaneria stated:

“Pakistan cricket has suffered because of constant changes in leadership. We need to commit to a captain and back them fully. Like Gambhir, a leader should be forthright and decisive. He tells it like it is, without backbiting. If we want results, we need to make tough decisions and stand by them. Look at other successful teams. India had Dravid, now they have Gambhir—a strong leader who faces challenges head-on. That’s the kind of leadership Pakistan needs to revive its cricket.”

The Pakistani team, under captain Shan Masood, has struggled against Bangladesh and faced internal conflicts within the dressing room. With Pakistan set to host the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025, uncertainty remains about whether India will participate due to ongoing security concerns. As Pakistan grapples with its cricketing identity, Kaneria’s call for Gambhir’s style of leadership may resonate as a potential solution to their pressing issues.