In reaction to a photo shared by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor with the former cricketer, Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir posted a cryptic remark about how the truth behind a coach’s ostensibly boundless authority eventually comes out. Tharoor referred to Gambhir as the man with the second most difficult job in the country, behind the Prime Minister.
Tharoor uploaded the photo after meeting Gambhir in Nagpur, where the first T20I against New Zealand took place. In the match, India overcame the visitors by 48 runs, thanks to Abhishek Sharma’s scorching performance and the Indian attack’s combined bowling effort.
“In Nagpur, enjoyed a good &frank discussion with my old friend @GautamGambhir, the man with the hardest job in India after the PM’s! He is being second-guessed by millions daily but stays calm &walks on undaunted. A word of appreciation for his quiet determination and able leadership. Wishing him all success — starting today! #INDvNZT20,” wrote Tharoor on X.
“Thanks a lot Dr @ShashiTharoor! When the dust settles, truth & logic about a coach’s supposedly “unlimited authority” will become clear. Till then I’m amused at being pitted against my own who are the very best!,” Gambhir replied.
Thanks a lot Dr @ShashiTharoor! When the dust settles, truth & logic about a coach’s supposedly “unlimited authority” will become clear. Till then I’m amused at being pitted against my own who are the very best! https://t.co/SDNzLt73v5
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) January 21, 2026It’s been a lot of highs and lows since Gautam Gambhir took over as India head coach. He has already been quite successful in the T20Is, piloting India to an Asia Cup and also going unbeaten in bilateral series so far with leading his team to be favourites for the T20 World Cup starting on February 7.
Gambhir has had a chequered but decent Test career. India tied, 2-2, in England under the captaincy of Shubman Gill and won at home against Bangladesh and the West Indies. But the side suffered infrequent home losses, getting swept by New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa last year.
In ODI cricket, there has been less consistency. Although Gambhir captained India to victory at the ICC Champions Trophy with Rohit Sharma leading from the front, they were whitewashed overseas in Sri Lanka and Australia. India also suffered a home ODI series defeat to New Zealand more recently, which was the latter’s first ever ODI series win in India.
