No Gambhir, No Problem: Fans Hail Laxman's Leadership
Shreyas Iyer's first T20I win as captain sparks joy among fans, who credit VVS Laxman's calm coaching style.
India's seven-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the first T20I on July 23 brought more than just a win—it sparked a wave of fan reactions celebrating the absence of head coach Gautam Gambhir. Captain Shreyas Iyer finally broke his losing streak after six defeats in his first seven matches, and fans were quick to link the turnaround to VVS Laxman's presence in the dugout.
With Gambhir given a break by the BCCI, Laxman, who heads the National Cricket Academy, stepped in as coach. Social media erupted with comments claiming the team's atmosphere felt more relaxed and positive. One fan wrote, "This Indian team without Gautam Gambhir looks so good—the environment is so positive. We need him away permanently!" Others echoed similar sentiments, noting that players seemed confident and happy.
Laxman had previously guided India during the 2024 Zimbabwe tour and is reportedly set to coach the T20I side at the 2026 Asian Games. While Gambhir's long-term role remains unchanged, fans have made their preferences clear—at least for this series.