In the wake of mounting criticism directed at
Harbhajan expressed confusion over the tendency to blame coaches when teams underperform. "Why is Gautam getting so much flak? I have never understood why when a team doesn't do well, people always tend to blame the coach," he stated in an interview with PTI. He emphasized Gambhir's dedication and passion for the game, recalling his time as a player who always prioritized the team's success.
Gambhir's Character and Leadership Style
Reflecting on Gambhir's early days in the Indian team, Harbhajan noted that he was somewhat introverted and maintained a close-knit circle of friends, including notable players like Virender Sehwag and Amit Mishra. "When he first came into the team as a youngster, he would only interact with a select few players," Harbhajan recalled. He described Gambhir as a "top guy" who is straightforward in his communication, even if it sometimes comes off as harsh. "For many people, Gautam might say bitter things, but what he speaks is the bitter truth," he added, suggesting that some may struggle to accept his candidness.
Harbhajan urged fans and critics alike to look beyond Gambhir's public persona. "Don't judge a book by its cover. He is a brilliant guy with a good sense of how the game should be played," he remarked. He believes that Gambhir's coaching philosophy will center around a winning mentality, stating, "Now that he is the coach, he will want his team to imbibe just one philosophy and that is 'Play To Win'." Harbhajan concluded by asserting that Gambhir would prefer a team that plays to win rather than settling for draws, underscoring his commitment to a competitive spirit in cricket.
