Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan backed head coach Gautam Gambhir’s approach to T20 cricket ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. Pathan stated that Gambhir has consistently shown the ability to stay ahead tactically in his coaching and leadership roles during the shorter format of international cricket.
Gambhir took charge as India’s head coach in July 2024, and the results in Test cricket have been mixed. The team has managed seven wins from 19 Tests, while losing 10 matches and drawing two. India were whitewashed at home by South Africa and New Zealand, but the team has been dominant in the T20I format.
Gautam Gambhir Always Is A Forward Thinker – Irfan Pathan
In a conversation with RevSportz, Irfan Pathan said that Gautam Gambhir is well suited to the T20 format as a coach. Pathan stated that Gambhir’s forward-thinking approach also brought him success as a player.
“T20 is his forte and he always is a forward thinker. T20 is a fast format game and with something this fast, you need the leader of the game, be it the captain, coach or a senior player, to be ahead of the game and I guess that’s what is or has been working for Gautam in KKR as a coach, captain, and even in the Indian team,” Pathan said.
Don’t Think There Are Many Greater Minds Like Gautam Gambhir – Irfan Pathan
Irfan Pathan said that criticism of Gautam Gambhir is natural, but his Champions Trophy success should not be overlooked. He pointed out that India’s Test side is going through a transition. Pathan concluded by calling Gambhir one of the sharpest strategic minds in the game.
“Criticism will be there, but we shouldn’t forget his Champions Trophy success as well. We should consider the fact that the Indian Test team has lost four or five important positions in the form of Ravichandran Ashwin, Bumrah who isn’t a regular these days, Ravindra Jadeja who is focusing more on batting now, and a few more,” Pathan continued.
“It is not easy to get replacements for all those important spots so quickly and this phase must be considered. The right noises are being heard, where Shubman Gill has stated the importance of having proper preparatory camps prior to tournaments.”
“Talking about Gautam, I don’t think there are many greater minds like him as far as correct strategy is concerned.”
India’s T20I Dominance Under Gautam Gambhir Masks Inconsistency in Tests and ODIs
India have struggled for consistency in Tests and ODIs under Gautam Gambhir, but their T20I form has been outstanding. Since he became head coach, India have won nine straight T20I bilateral series and are a strong contender for the T20 World Cup.
India have also dominated the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand. They took an unassailable 3-1 lead with one match left. The team won the first game by 48 runs after scoring 238 and then chased down targets of 209 and 150 with ease before losing the fourth T20I.
Since the start of 2025, India have won 19 of their last 23 completed T20Is. Overall, they have claimed 29 wins from 33 completed T20Is since Gambhir took charge.
In the ODI format, India lifted the 2025 Champions Trophy in the UAE without losing a match. However, they have also suffered ODI series defeats to Sri Lanka, Australia, and New Zealand during this period.
Also read: Rahul Dravid reveals why Gautam Gambhir won’t win T20 World Cup 2026
