Shashi Tharoor lauds Gambhir, calls India coach’s role second only to PM’s job

In a rare moment of praise for the Indian cricket coach, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor lauded Gautam Gambhir for taking on what he described as “the toughest job in India” after the Prime Minister’s role. Tharoor’s remarks came ahead of India’s T20 International series opener against New Zealand , and they highlighted the constant pressure Gambhir faces from millions of cricket fans who scrutinize every decision.

Tharoor commended Gambhir’s “quiet determination,” acknowledging the relentless second-guessing that accompanies Indian cricket at the highest level. In response, Gambhir thanked the MP but also hinted at the limits of a coach’s authority in the Indian setup. He added a light-hearted twist by jokingly rejecting comparisons between himself and India’s top players, a comment that drew smiles from those watching the exchange.

However, the interaction also reignited talk about underlying tensions between Gambhir and some senior players, especially after India’s recent home defeats to New Zealand. Questions have been raised about team dynamics and whether the coach has full control over selection and strategy.

India’s campaign, however, received a timely boost in Nagpur , where the team bounced back with a convincing 48-run win. The victory was powered by strong performances from Abhishek Sharma and Rinku Singh , who helped steer India to a much-needed confidence lift after the earlier losses.

As India looks to build momentum in the series, the spotlight remains firmly on Gambhir. While praise from figures like Tharoor offers support, the real test will be how the team performs under pressure and whether the coach can maintain harmony within a star-studded lineup.