Faf du Plessis Shares Insightful Perspective on Gautam Gambhir’s ‘Villain’ Role
Former South African captain Faf du Plessis has labeled India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir as a “villain” for opposing teams, while also commending his leadership skills and significant contributions to Indian cricket. Gambhir, who captained the Kolkata Knight Riders to two IPL titles and mentored them to another in 2024, is celebrated for his pivotal role in India’s victories in the T20 World Cup in 2007 and the ODI World Cup in 2011. Under his coaching, India achieved remarkable success, winning the Champions Trophy in 2025 and the T20 World Cup in 2026. Du Plessis highlighted Gambhir’s unwavering commitment to high standards and accountability within the team.
Gambhir’s persona as a competitor
In a recent interview on JioStar, Faf du Plessis shared his perspective on Gautam Gambhir, noting that his fierce competitiveness makes him a formidable opponent. Du Plessis remarked that Gambhir is often seen as the “villain” by rival players, yet he earns their respect due to his relentless drive and high standards. “He doesn’t care about being liked,” du Plessis stated, emphasizing that Gambhir’s leadership style is about setting expectations and holding players accountable. This approach not only fosters respect among opponents but also cultivates a strong team environment. Du Plessis praised Gambhir for transforming the Kolkata Knight Riders into a competitive force, attributing their success to his ability to maintain high standards and motivate players.
Gambhir’s coaching achievements
Since taking over as head coach of the Indian cricket team in July 2024, Gautam Gambhir has led the team through a series of notable accomplishments in limited-overs formats. Under his guidance, India secured their third T20 World Cup title by defeating New Zealand by 96 runs in the final held in Ahmedabad. This victory marked a significant milestone as India became the first team to successfully defend the T20 World Cup title, triumphing over New Zealand again in Dubai by four wickets. Additionally, Gambhir’s leadership saw India clinch their ninth Asia Cup title, overcoming Pakistan by five wickets in the final. These achievements highlight Gambhir’s effectiveness as a coach in limited-overs cricket.
Challenges faced in Test cricket
Despite his successes in limited-overs formats, Gambhir’s tenure has not been without challenges, particularly in Test cricket. The Indian team faced significant struggles, suffering historic home series whitewashes against New Zealand (0-3 in 2024) and South Africa (0-2 in 2025). Furthermore, India experienced a disappointing 1-4 series loss to Australia in 2024-25, which resulted in the team failing to qualify for the World Test Championship final for the first time. These setbacks underscore the complexities of Gambhir’s coaching journey, as he navigates both triumphs and trials in his role as head coach.
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