5 Indian players Gautam Gambhir has backed as a head coach

Gautam Gambhir arrived as India’s head coach with a reputation for backing players he believes in and for making decisive calls rather than tinkering at the margins. Since taking charge, he’s repeatedly spoken up for youngsters and role players, sometimes against public pressure and the results (good and bad) show a clear through-line: Gambhir trusts those he picks to grow into their roles. Here is a list of five players Gautam Gambhir has backed as the head coach of the Indian Cricket team.

1. Shubman Gill

Gambhir’s faith in Shubman Gill has been extremely visible and public. From conversations in nets to praise after big knocks and being chosen as the skipper, Gambhir has positioned Gill not just as a run-scorer but as a leader whose temperament suits long-term responsibility. 

When Gill went through challenges in England, Gambhir kept backing his technique and leadership decisions - a posture that has given Gill room to flourish and to be tried in different roles. That vote of confidence has been central to Gill’s recent rise, not just as a player but as the leader of the team as well. Under Gambhir’s regime, he has been appointed as the skipper in multiple formats.

2. Harshit Rana

Harshit Rana has credited Gambhir with boosting his confidence early in his international career, and Gambhir has publicly defended the youngster when scrutiny intensified. Gambhir’s approach with Rana has been classic developmental coaching in protecting the player from destructive noise, exposing him to higher standards, and demanding consistency. 

The result has been a bowler more willing to bowl in the right areas and who now speaks openly about Gambhir’s role in lifting his belief. Gambhir has played a central role in his rise.

3. Washington Sundar

Gambhir has repeatedly signalled his liking for left-arm spin all-rounders who can bat in a floater role; Washington Sundar fits that bill. From using Sundar as a left-hand option in limited-overs permutations to praising his temperament in press briefings, Gambhir has backed Washington’s dual role, as a batting option in the middle order and a useful second spinner, even when conditions weren’t obvious. 

That faith helped Sundar regain a place and responsibility that might otherwise have gone to more orthodox selections.

4. Axar Patel

Axar’s case under Gambhir is a textbook example of backing a player for role clarity. When India needed a left-handed batter who could also bowl tight left-arm spin, Gambhir did not hesitate to use Axar in those situations and publicly defended selections that put him into key moments. 

Gambhir’s endorsement of Axar’s situational value, especially in chases or when balance was required, reinforced the idea that role players who do “less seen” jobs consistently are vital to team construction.

5. Prasidh Krishna

Prasidh’s case shows the flip side of Gambhir’s approach. Gambhir backs raw attributes and potential even when immediate returns are mixed. After a tough outing where the economy rate drew criticism, Gambhir publicly defended Prasidh’s selection, pointing to his bounce, wicket-taking ability and long-term upside while urging patience. 

He has repeatedly given Prasidh chances to learn at the highest level and clearly has the favouritism he requires from the head coach to remain the team’s consideration the whole time.

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