The recent India-England series, the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, saw Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir in the spotlight. Under his guidance, the Indian team achieved a 2-2 draw. However, it was not his coaching strategies or team selections that garnered attention, but his serious demeanor. This led to a humorous situation among fans, especially in the UK, as shared by former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik. Karthik recounted a funny story about fans complaining about the absence of smiles from Gambhir during the India-England series. This incident arose during a broadcast of The Hundred tournament, where Karthik was interacting with Trent Rockets coach Andy Flower. The Trent Rockets had won against Manchester Originals by seven wickets. Following the match, Karthik lightheartedly mentioned that UK fans had sent a letter to Sky Sports, voicing their concerns about three individuals who hadn’t smiled throughout the summer. The individuals mentioned were Gautam Gambhir, former England captain Nasser Hussain, who was in the commentary box, and Andy Flower.
Karthik then jokingly asked Flower, ‘Why don’t people see a smile on your face when you’re in the dugout as a coach?’ Flower replied with a laugh, saying, ‘People completely misunderstand me, and you know that very well.’ Karthik responded, ‘I certainly do.’ The amusing video clip has now become a viral sensation on social media.
Gambhir, known for his serious and sometimes intense personality, played a significant role in India securing a 2-2 draw in this series. This series against England was challenging for India, particularly when the team was trailing 1-2. However, Gambhir’s strategic planning and the energy of young players led to a remarkable comeback in the final Test, resulting in a series tie. While his coaching style was praised, his serious image triggered a different type of discussion among fans.