‘Get MS Dhoni as Mentor’: Sreesanth Slams Gautam Gambhir, Questions His Coaching Style After Test Setbacks

Former India fast bowler S Sreesanth has stirred fresh debate in Indian cricket after launching a sharp attack on current head coach Gautam Gambhir, questioning his coaching methods and suggesting that MS Dhoni should return as a mentor for the national team.

The outspoken pacer, who was part of India’s victorious 2007 T20 World Cup squad, made the remarks during a recent interview, where he shared his views on India’s recent struggles in Test cricket.

‘India Needs a Mentor, Not a Coach’

Sreesanth did not hold back while discussing what he believes is missing in the current Indian setup.

According to him, the national team does not necessarily need a traditional head coach but rather a mentor who can connect with players on a personal level and guide them with understanding.

He stressed that managing a dressing room requires building relationships, trust, and emotional balance — qualities he believes are more important than tactical instructions alone.

His comments directly targeted Gambhir’s leadership style, which he described as intense and overly demanding.

Questions Raised After Test Defeats

India’s recent red-ball struggles have become a major talking point, especially after series defeats against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa in 2025.

Sreesanth pointed out that both losses came under Gambhir’s tenure, suggesting that the team’s decline in Test cricket cannot be ignored.

While India have remained competitive in white-ball formats, the recent Test setbacks have sparked discussions over team management, player handling, and long-term strategy.

Dhoni’s Leadership Style Held Up as Example

While criticizing the current system, Sreesanth praised former captain MS Dhoni, calling him the ideal example of leadership through calmness and trust.

He argued that Dhoni never put unnecessary pressure on players and instead allowed them to express themselves freely on the field.

According to Sreesanth, it was Dhoni’s mindset and his ability to stay composed in tough situations that made Team India successful during his era.

He believes a mentor with similar qualities could bring balance and confidence back into the current setup.

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Not All Credit to Gambhir for T20 World Cup Win

Sreesanth also pushed back against the narrative that Gambhir was solely responsible for India’s recent T20 World Cup 2026 triumph.

He highlighted the contributions of players like Sanju Samson and captain Suryakumar Yadav, saying their performances and on-field decisions were equally crucial.

The former pacer questioned whether a coach could be given complete credit for victories when the actual decisions are being made by players during the match.

His comments suggest that while coaching matters, the real difference often comes from leadership within the playing XI.

Ashish Nehra Mentioned as Ideal Active Coach

Interestingly, Sreesanth also mentioned Ashish Nehra as an example of the kind of coach he values — someone who stays actively involved and maintains a strong connection with players.

This comparison adds another layer to the ongoing conversation about what kind of leadership best suits modern cricket teams.

Fresh Debate Around Team India’s Future

Sreesanth’s remarks are likely to intensify discussions around India’s coaching setup, especially as the team prepares for major assignments ahead.

While Gambhir continues to enjoy support after India’s T20 World Cup success, criticism over the Test team’s inconsistency remains.

Whether the Board takes these opinions seriously remains to be seen, but one thing is certain — calls for MS Dhoni’s return in some capacity will once again excite millions of Indian cricket fans.