Is Gautam Gambhir applying MS Dhoni’s formula? – Find out what it is

Published - 17 Aug 2025, 18:00 IST | Updated - 17 Aug 2025, 18:07 IST

Indian cricket always makes headlines whenever a player scores a century or breaks a record. Similarly, the team’s coaches often come under the spotlight, receiving both praise and criticism. The current head coach of the Indian cricket team, Gautam Gambhir, is no exception. Having previously coached a couple of Indian Premier League (IPL) teams, Gambhir was appointed as the Indian national team coach in 2024, succeeding Rahul Dravid.

Gambhir follows a unique style of leadership. Many players have noted that he is not overly vocal during training sessions but provides guidance precisely when needed, like a ‘pinch of salt’ to enhance the team’s performance. His first major assignment as head coach was the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, where India emerged victorious, defeating New Zealand in the final.

India endured a 3-0 home loss to New Zealand and a 3-1 defeat against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Following that, many doubted Gambhir’s ability as a Test coach. India then had a difficult assignment lined up against England, and the challenge became tougher with the red-ball retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

However, the result of the recently-concluded five-match Test series against England surprised critics as a relatively young squad under the leadership of the new captain, Shubman Gill, showcased incredible fighting spirit on English soil. Gambhir’s leadership approach became evident as the series ended in a hard-fought 2-2 draw.

Gambhir’s approach bears a striking resemblance to the strategy employed by former Indian captain MS Dhoni. Dhoni was known for making bold decisions, including dropping senior players to make way for youngsters. He emphasised fielding and fitness and building a team better suited to the demands of modern cricket. Similarly, Gambhir has focused on grooming young players and preparing them for future challenges, even if it invites criticism.

While Dhoni’s methods were often questioned, history shows that his strategies paid off. Gambhir’s leadership, though reminiscent of Dhoni's, displays the right approach to nurturing talent and ensuring the team remains competitive on the world stage. His methods may raise eyebrows, but they are essential for the long-term growth and success of Indian cricket.