South Africa captain Temba Bavuma shared his thoughts on Gautam Gambhir’s potential as a Test coach, following India’s recent struggles in the format. Bavuma believes India’s white-ball performances could offer Gambhir insights on how to turn around their fortunes in Tests.
India, unbeaten at home for 12 years, saw their streak broken by New Zealand in 2024 with a 3-0 series sweep. Last year, South Africa also recorded their first away series win in India since 2000.
In a column for ESPN Cricinfo, Temba Bavuma noted that India’s current challenges reminded him of South Africa’s own transition period in 2019, explaining further:
“When it comes to the red-ball stuff, India are definitely a team in transition. If I think of the Proteas Test team in 2019 – which is already seven years ago – we went through the same type of process or phase when we lost some of our big guns. So there is nothing unique about where India find themselves in Test cricket.”
“India coach Gautam Gambhir has a lot of pressure on his shoulders, and I think he is going to have to take it as it comes. He is going to have to find a way to buy himself time in the red-ball game, and I’m of the view that the performances in white-ball cricket may assist him.”
Bavuma Criticizes Split-Coaching System, Warns It May Confuse Players
The 35-year-old also stated that he opposes a split-coaching setup, arguing that it can create confusion among players, and added:
“Some may speak more to the narrative that Gambhir should perhaps carry on with the white-ball stuff and let someone else fulfil the Test cricket duties. Splitting the red- and white-ball coaching roles was something we gave a go within the Proteas set-up back in 2023. At the time there was sense behind the split rule.”
“But now having one coach across all formats works a lot better for players from a continuity point of view. Moreover, it’s advantageous from a philosophy and playing style point of view. I don’t think a lot of teams are going with the split-format system anymore, and to be honest, I’m not really in favour of that rule.”
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