Former player Atul Wassan fired sharp words at Gautam Gambhir. Not one to hold back, he painted the current head coach as someone fueled by raw intensity. According to Wassan, it sits far above the usual mark. Even with past wins under his belt, Gambhir’s rigid manner hasn’t clicked with each member of the team circle. While respect exists for what he’s done, comfort around him does not come easily to all.

Wassan mentioned in a chat with Vickey Lalwani that Gautam Gambhir showed strong control from the start, back when he played for Delhi. Because of how he sees things, following his method isn’t optional; it’s expected. Though quiet at times, his presence demanded alignment.

Wassan claims some Indian players are unhappy with Gautam Gambhir’s approach

Years passed, yet Wassan claimed Gautam Gambhir stayed just as combative. People close to him, according to Wassan, frequently felt pressured by his presence. His intensity on the field, though tough to handle at times, shaped much of what made him excel. That fire, whether welcomed or not, fueled his rise.

“I have known him personally since he was a child. With him, it’s always been my way or the highway. He used to bully people even in Delhi cricket,” Wassan said.

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Still, he pointed out how Gambhir thrives on tension, almost as if a challenge sharpens his drive. Not peace, but friction seems to steer his focus forward.

“The player he became is because of his nature. He probably cannot give his best unless there’s a fight involved. But the issue is that he has not stepped away from that mindset even after retirement,” Wassan stated.

From Delhi’s intense cricket circles, a fierce mindset seems to have shaped both men. Clashes between Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli resurfaced in conversation. Their competitive fire is often compared. Not just rivalry, but something deeper tied to upbringing there.

One observer noted how similar drives link them. Rivalry aside, behaviour patterns echo the same roots. Temperaments flare under pressure alike. Backgrounds feed into conduct on display. Personality traits trace back to shared soil.

One ex-Indian player said some in the team aren’t at ease with how Gambhir runs things now. Without naming anyone, Wassan suggested certain members still feel off about the mood around camp since he took charge.

“I am sure everyone cannot be happy. Some players would definitely be uncomfortable. But in a team sport, if the coach keeps winning, then nobody questions him,” he said.
Outcomes shape the view of any coach, Wassan pointed out. So long as wins pile up, he noted, Gambhir's rigid style stays unchallenged. Trouble arrives fast if losses start stacking, then every decision faces questions.

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