'Gambhir Doesn't Backbite': Ex Pakistan Cricketer Urges PCB To Appoint Identical Coach
India's head coach Gautam Gambhir [X]
Former Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria has voiced strong opinions about the current state of Pakistan cricket, suggesting that the national team requires a tough, no-nonsense coach similar to India's Gautam Gambhir.
Following Pakistan's disappointing performances, including a historic 0-2 Test series loss to Bangladesh and a group-stage exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup, Kaneria believes that drastic changes are necessary.
The Test series defeat marked the first time in history that an Asian team whitewashed Pakistan at home. Kaneria emphasised that the frequent changes in captaincy have destabilised the team, leading to their current struggles. He insists that a coach like Gautam Gambhir, who speaks his mind and makes bold decisions, is what Pakistan needs.
“Why today other teams are doing so well Why is the Indian team is doing so well? They had a Rahul Dravid who worked with the team very well now. They have Gautam Gambir, a fantastic cricketer and fantastic guy. The way he reacts, he tells on the face. He doesn’t go back and do backbiting; he’s on the face straight away. This is how you have to be. You have to be strong, and like a strong person, you have to make the decision on the face, not at the back,” Kaneria said.
Kaneria also criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its constant shifting of captains. Babar Azam, after being removed following the ODI World Cup debacle, was briefly replaced by Shaheen Afridi. However, before the T20 World Cup, Babar was reinstated, leading to further confusion and instability.
“Stick to your captain and give him full support for a year. If he doesn’t perform, then make changes,” Kaneria stated.
Babar Azam's Captaincy Under Threat
Following the recent Test series defeat, there are rumours that Babar Azam may once again be removed as captain, with Mohammad Rizwan likely to take over in all formats. Pakistan's recent performances, particularly at home, have raised concerns, with legends like Wasim Akram expressing their disappointment.