# Gary Kirsten backs Gautam Gambhir amid criticism 2026-08-15T05:56:09+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Gary Kirsten, India’s 2011 World Cup-winning coach, has backed Gautam Gambhir amid criticism of his record as India head coach. Kirsten told The Times of India that Gambhir was a “fantastic coach” whose record included the 2026 T20 World Cup, the 2025 Champions Trophy and success with Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. Kirsten coached India from 2008 to 2011 and worked with Gambhir during the team’s World Cup-winning campaign. India have since endured poor results, including reported whitewashes against New Zealand and South Africa, a 2-0 T20I defeat by Ireland and a 4-0 loss to England. Kirsten became Sri Lanka’s head coach in April. India and Sri Lanka are scheduled to begin a two-Test series on August 15 in Galle. ## Coverage - sports.ndtv.com Tags: Gary Kirsten, Gautam Gambhir, India, Kolkata Knight Riders, Sri Lanka Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/gary-kirsten-backs-gautam-gambhir-amid-criticism/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/gary-kirsten-backs-gautam-gambhir-amid-criticism/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.