The India-England series saw Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir at the center of attention. His coaching led to a 2-2 draw in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. However, it wasn’t his coaching tactics or team selection that sparked the buzz; it was his serious persona. This led to amusement among cricket fans, particularly in the UK, as revealed by former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik. Karthik shared a lighthearted story about fans complaining about Gambhir’s lack of smiles during the series. The incident happened during a broadcast of The Hundred, where Karthik was in conversation with Trent Rockets coach Andy Flower. The Trent Rockets had just secured a seven-wicket victory against the Manchester Originals. After the match, Karthik remarked that UK fans had written to Sky Sports, expressing their concern about three individuals who hadn’t smiled all summer. These individuals were Gautam Gambhir, commentator Nasser Hussain, and Andy Flower.
Karthik then playfully questioned Flower, ‘Why don’t you ever smile when you’re coaching in the dugout?’ Flower responded with a chuckle, stating, ‘People completely misunderstand me, and you know that very well.’ Karthik replied, ‘I certainly do.’ The humorous video clip has since gone viral on social media.
Gambhir, known for his composed and sometimes intense demeanor, significantly contributed to India’s draw in the series. The England series was a tough challenge for India, particularly when they were down 1-2. However, Gambhir’s strategic approach and the young players’ energy resulted in a remarkable comeback in the final test, leading to a series tie. Although his coaching style received praise, his serious image sparked a different kind of conversation among fans.