India Players Unhappy with Gautam Gambhir? Ex-Player makes Strong Claim, says 'I Know One-Two Players'

Gautam Gambhir, the current India head coach, continues to divide opinion even after the triumph. Despite his success with the Indian team with two ICC titles, Gambhir has been at the centre of contentious events during his ongoing tenure.

The head coach's hard-nosed approach, once hailed for delivering results on the field, is now being blamed for creating unrest inside the national team's dressing room.

Former India cricketer Atul Wassan has made startling claims in an interview, suggesting that several senior and key members of the current squad are unhappy with Gambhir's management style. Wassan, who has known Gambhir since his early days in Delhi cricket, did not name the dissatisfied players but insisted the discontent is real and widely known within cricket circles.

"I am sure that all players cannot be in a happy place, with such a strong personality (Gambhir). I know one or two of them; they won't say it openly. Everyone knows what's happening," Wassan said in a podcast.

Wassan further elaborated that Gambhir leads the side with an iron fist, leaving little room for personal differences.

"I am sure that all the players cannot be in a very happy place. Somebody will be sleeping on needles. This happens, personal likes and dislikes, and that too with such a strong personality. With personal likes and dislikes, and leading them with a stick, if you keep on winning, then it's fine. But if you lose, then you need to listen to criticism," he added.

The former India pacer refused to disclose names, stating, "I know one or two of them; I can't say their names in this show. Everyone knows what's happening. But after sidelining those players, if you win, then it's your world. It's a team sport; nobody will listen to the player. If the coach wins even after all this, then the coach is right, and the player is wrong."

With the Indian team preparing for a busy international calendar that includes a one-off Test and a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan in June 2026, these allegations have added fresh scrutiny to Gambhir's coaching methods. While the team's on-field success remains undeniable, questions are now being raised about the backroom atmosphere.