New Delhi: Former India cricketer Atul Wassan has made sensational allegations against India head coach Gautam Gambhir, describing him as a “bully” and claiming that some members of the Indian cricket team are unhappy with his management style.
Gambhir, one of Indian cricket’s most outspoken and aggressive personalities, has often divided opinion both during and after his playing career. Wassan’s latest remarks have once again brought the former opener into the spotlight.
Wassan calls Gambhir a ‘bully’
Speaking during an interview with Vickey Lalwani, Wassan claimed Gambhir’s personality has remained unchanged since his early cricketing days in Delhi.
“I have known him personally since he was a child. I have had my issues with him. With him, it’s about my way or the highway. He is like that, and he would bully a lot, even in Delhi cricket,” Wassan said.
The former India cricketer further alleged that Gambhir’s strong personality often led to confrontational behaviour.
“His nature is like that, right from the start. He came from money, an excellent player, and he is intelligent. His ego is on a different level,” Wassan added.
Serious claims about Gambhir’s behaviour
Wassan went on to make even stronger allegations, claiming Gambhir would target those who disagreed with him.
“He thinks that if he says it’s night when it’s morning, it will be believed to be night. Fall in line. If you don’t fall in line, you are on my hit list. He will try to harm you,” Wassan alleged.
However, he also acknowledged that Gambhir’s aggressive mindset contributed to his success as a cricketer.
“But he has achieved a lot in cricket, and his nature helped him in cricket,” he added.
Remarks on Virat Kohli rivalry
Wassan also referred to Gambhir’s past confrontations with Virat Kohli, suggesting both personalities share similar aggressive traits.
“That’s why he is confronting Virat Kohli: over-aggressiveness and an alpha-male kind of personality from Delhi,” Wassan claimed.
The relationship between Gambhir and Kohli has often attracted public attention over the years, particularly following heated on-field exchanges during the Indian Premier League.
Although both have recently attempted to downplay speculation surrounding their rivalry, the topic continues to generate discussion among cricket fans.
Claims about Team India dressing room
Wassan further claimed that not all members of the Indian dressing room are comfortable with Gambhir’s leadership style as head coach.
“I am sure that all the players cannot be in a very happy place. Somebody will be sleeping on needles,” he said.
He also hinted that certain players may feel sidelined but are unwilling to speak publicly.
“I know one or two of them; they won’t say it openly. I can’t say their names in this show. Everyone knows what’s happening,” Wassan alleged.
However, he admitted that results ultimately determine public perception.
“If the coach wins even after all this, then the coach is right, and the player is wrong,” he added.
Gambhir’s coaching tenure under scrutiny
Since taking over as India’s head coach, Gambhir’s intense and uncompromising approach has remained a major talking point.
Known for his fierce competitiveness during his playing days, Gambhir has often defended aggressive cricket and strict standards within teams he has worked with.
Under his guidance, India have experienced both successes and criticism, with debates continuing around his tactical methods and man-management style.
Despite the allegations made by Wassan, there has been no official response yet from Gambhir or the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Gambhir’s achievements in Indian cricket
Gautam Gambhir remains one of India’s most successful former cricketers. He played a key role in India’s victories in the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup.
He also captained Kolkata Knight Riders to two IPL titles and has built a reputation as a strong-minded leader both on and off the field.
However, his outspoken nature and confrontational style have frequently kept him at the centre of controversies throughout his cricketing journey.
Conclusion
Atul Wassan’s remarks have once again sparked debate around Gautam Gambhir’s personality and leadership methods. While the allegations are serious, they also underline the polarising image Gambhir continues to hold in Indian cricket.
As India’s head coach, Gambhir’s success on the field may ultimately shape how his methods are judged, but comments from former players ensure discussions around his management style are unlikely to fade anytime soon.