Former England spinner Monty Panesar has advised current India head coach Gautam Gambhir to take up a Ranji Trophy coaching role to gain deeper insight into red-ball cricket. In an interview with ANI on December 29, 2025, Panesar acknowledged Gambhir's success in white-ball formats but argued that a stint in domestic four-day cricket would help him learn from experienced Ranji coaches about building a competitive Test squad. Panesar emphasized that India's Test team is currently "weak" and requires time to rebuild following the retirement of three key players—Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin—making it challenging to prepare the remaining players for the demands of the longest format.

Panesar's comments arrive against the backdrop of India's disappointing Test performances under Gambhir, including back-to-back whitewashes—a 3-0 series loss to New Zealand at home and a 2-0 defeat in South Africa. The recent South Africa result has intensified scrutiny on Gambhir's methods and raised questions about his red-ball coaching credentials. Reports have also surfaced that the BCCI has approached former India batter VVS Laxman to potentially step in as Test head coach, signaling possible changes in the team's leadership structure.

In the same interview, Panesar delivered a blunt assessment of India's new Test captain, Shubman Gill, labeling him a "complacent cricketer" who plays "lazy shots" despite possessing significant talent. He contrasted Gill's approach with Virat Kohli's legendary intensity and aggression, which Panesar believes remains visible across all formats. Panesar stated that the pressure of all-format captaincy is "too much" for Gill at this stage, suggesting he may not yet be ready to lead or perform consistently in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is simultaneously.

Also Read: Monty Panesar Questions Gill’s Captaincy as India Reel From Test Whitewashes

Panesar's critique highlights broader concerns about India's transition phase in Test cricket. With senior stalwarts no longer in the side, the team has struggled to maintain its former dominance, and the gap between domestic red-ball performances and international standards has become more apparent. The former England left-armer pointed out that many young Indian players prioritize lucrative T20 and white-ball opportunities—such as the IPL—over the rigorous preparation needed for Test success, further weakening the domestic red-ball pipeline.

These remarks have sparked debate within the cricket community, with some supporting Panesar's call for Gambhir to immerse himself in domestic cricket, while others defend the current coach's aggressive style and long-term vision. As India prepares for its next Test assignments, the focus remains on rebuilding confidence and structure in the longest format amid ongoing discussions about coaching and captaincy roles.

Also Read: Monty Panesar Questions Gill’s Captaincy as India Reel From Test Whitewashes