India’s most recent setback came in November when South Africa comprehensively defeated them at home. That defeat came after a similarly chastening series loss to New Zealand last year, a result that carried historic weight as it was the first time India had been whitewashed at home in a Test series of three or more matches. The fallout was significant and led to the departures of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin, three pillars of India’s red-ball dominance over the past decade.
Bavuma believes the absence of that experienced trio has played a major role in India’s recent decline. With Kohli, Rohit and Ashwin gone, Gambhir must tackle multiple challenges, simultaneously mentoring a young captain in Shubman Gill, overseeing the transition of one of India’s greatest spinners and managing the workload of Jasprit Bumrah, a bowler whose value is matched only by fitness concerns.
The Proteas Test captain stressed that India should not expect an immediate turnaround in Test cricket. He described the current set-up as a team on the move, pointing out gaps in key positions and the time needed to arrange replacements. He noted that India are still looking for stability at No. 3, that Ravindra Jadeja’s bowling has missed the same edge without Ashwin, and that Washington Sundar will need patience as he finds his way in red-ball cricket.
“You saw how India performed in the ODI space with their two stalwarts, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, versus in the Test game, where those two were not available for selection. When it comes to the red ball, India is definitely a team in transition.
India coach Gautam Gambhir has a lot of pressure on his shoulders and I think he has to take it as it comes. He will have to find a way to gain time in red-ball and I believe performances in white-ball cricket can help him.
In ODIs, Kohli and Rohit will obviously take on a lot more responsibility from a performance and leadership perspective. So I think Gambhir will do well as far as his position is concerned. But from a red ball perspective, things are going to be tough for this Indian team in the near future.” Bavuma wrote in a column for ESPNcricinfo.
Despite India’s Test woes, Gambhir’s record in white-ball cricket stands in stark contrast. Under his leadership, India has enjoyed success in limited-overs formats, including wins in the Champions Trophy and the Asia Cup. This has led to suggestions that Gambhir should continue as white-ball coach while another figure handles the Test side.
However, Bavuma is firmly against splitting the coaching roles. Drawing on South Africa’s own experiences in 2023, he argued that having separate coaches for red and white ball cricket often leads to mixed messages and confusion among players. He pointed out that leading teams such as England, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand have largely moved away from the split-coach model in favor of continuity.
“To some, the narrative may be more appealing that maybe Gambhir should continue with the white-ball stuff and let someone else handle the Test cricket duties. Splitting the red and white ball coaching roles was something we tried within the Proteas set-up in 2023.
At the time, there was sense behind the division rule. But now having one coach for all formats works a lot better for players from a continuity point of view. Moreover, it is advantageous from the point of view of philosophy and playing style. I don’t think many teams are going for the split-format system anymore, and to be honest, I’m not really in favor of that rule. It just confuses the players because in one format a certain type of language is spoken, and a few weeks later in another format you have to adapt,” the Proteas captain further wrote.
Looking ahead, Bavuma advised Gambhir to take a direct and transparent approach with his Test players. He believes that honesty about the challenges of the transition is essential and that players must be prepared for short-term setbacks. Gambhir, he suggested, should support those he believes in and give time for development even if results do not come immediately.
“In terms of how Gambhir is managing his current group of Test players, I think it is best to be clear and say: ‘Guys, it’s going to be a tough few months on away trips, but let’s focus on the long term.’ But he will have to support his horses and at some point those horses will have to leave their pens and gallop for him.” Bavuma concluded.
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