# Kaif backs Laxman’s five-bowler formula over Gambhir’s all-rounder strategy 2026-08-06T14:32:39+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 2 independent outlets Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has praised VVS Laxman’s team structure during India’s 3-0 series win over Zimbabwe, saying the interim coach selected seven specialist batters and five proper bowlers. Kaif said Laxman did not force an all-rounder into the No. 8 position and backed his playing XI clearly. His remarks were seen as an indirect criticism of Gautam Gambhir’s tactics. India have faced heavy criticism after recent poor results. NDTV reports a two-match T20I series loss to Ireland and a 4-0 T20I defeat by England. Times Now reports an Ireland whitewash, along with T20I and ODI series losses to England. Kaif said he would judge captain Shubman Gill by how he responds under pressure in the two-Test Sri Lanka series beginning on August 15. ## Coverage - sports.ndtv.com - timesnownews.com Tags: Cricket, Gautam Gambhir, Indian cricket, VVS Laxman Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/kaif-contrasts-gambhir-and-laxmans-coaching-styles/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/kaif-contrasts-gambhir-and-laxmans-coaching-styles/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.