'I don’t believe in playing politics' - Gautam Gambhir shuts down critics over coaching style

Gautam Gambhir lambasted his critics who questioned his credentials as a head coach for India's failures in the red-ball format during his tenure. Despite India doing well in the white-ball format, which includes a major title win like the Champions Trophy 2025, India's loss to New Zealand at home and against Australia in the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25 received criticism.

Gambhir did not hesitate to give back to his critics. He claimed of being aware of the criticism he received at the end of the BGT 2024-25. He also affirmed that he aims to make the country proud during his stint as the Men in Blue head coach, which is his actual job, and not to satisfy those sitting in the commentary box. 

He felt some of the people in the commentary box thought Indian cricket to be their fiefdom. He disregarded it and claimed it belonged to the people of India. Gambhir said he does not do any politics in the team and added his aim was to build a team that plays fearless cricket with pride.

"When I took up this job, I knew there would always be ups and downs. My job is to make the country proud, not please a few individuals sitting in air-conditioned commentary boxes," ABP India at 2047 summit.

"Some people sitting in the commentary box for 25 years think Indian cricket is their family fiefdom. It’s not. It belongs to the people of India. I’m not a coach of any cozy club or lobby. I don’t believe in playing politics. I’m here to build a team that plays fearlessly and with pride," Gambhir added.

I will stay in India and pay my taxes here: Gambhir

He then addressed criticism of his prize money. The Indian Head Coach claimed Non-Residents of India make money and save it by relieving themselves from taxes. Gambhir claimed himself loyal to India and added he would stay in India and pay taxes.

"They even questioned my prize money. These NRIs make money from India but become NRIs to save tax. Commentators should realise – cricket kisi ki jaagir nahi hai (cricket is not anyone’s ancestral inheritance). These people go abroad and become NRIs. I will stay in India and pay my taxes here," Gambhir added.