Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding split coaching for the national team, particularly in light of India's recent struggles in Test cricket under head coach Gautam Gambhir. Addressing the pressure on Gambhir following two home whitewashes—the 0-3 loss to New Zealand in 2024 and a 0-2 defeat to South Africa in 2025—Harbhajan urged patience and defended the coach's role. He emphasized that coaching the Indian team is an arduous task requiring year-round commitment, constant engagement with selections, and focus on results across formats. "Gautam Gambhir does not go there to play," Harbhajan remarked bluntly, reminding critics of Gambhir's stellar playing career and calling for understanding amid the highs and lows of team performance.

India's Test woes have marked a stark departure from the dominant era under captains MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma, when the team rarely lost at home. The New Zealand whitewash not only ended that streak but also cost India a spot in the ICC World Test Championship 2025 final. The South Africa series loss further jeopardized their chances in the marquee event, depending on upcoming results. Harbhajan noted India's cultural tendency to praise silently during wins but criticize the coach harshly in defeats, highlighting the unique pressures of the role. Despite red-ball setbacks, Gambhir guided India to victory in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai, underscoring strong white-ball form.

Harbhajan dismissed immediate calls for splitting coaching duties between red-ball (Tests) and white-ball formats, advocating a measured approach. "If you feel you need to split the coaching... then there is no need to do so for now. But over time, if needed, you should definitely do it. There is nothing wrong with that," he stated. This verdict comes as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) faces scrutiny over its coaching structure, with Gambhir's appointment in mid-2024 initially hailed for his aggressive mindset and success as a mentor in the IPL with Kolkata Knight Riders.

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The discourse on split coaching has intensified with India's transitional phase, blending veterans like Rohit and Kohli with a young core including Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant. Gambhir's tenure has seen tactical experiments, including overseas rotations and emphasis on fitness, but critics point to batting collapses and bowling inconsistencies at home. Supporters argue that external factors like pitch conditions and opposition resurgence played roles, while Harbhajan's comments seek to temper knee-jerk reactions.

As India prepares for future challenges, including bilateral series and the next World Test Championship cycle, Harbhajan's balanced view highlights the need for continuity and evaluation over hasty changes. The former spinner's insights, drawn from his own illustrious career of 417 Test wickets, add weight to the call for patience, positioning Gambhir's era as one requiring time to stabilize amid evolving team dynamics.

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