Manjrekar advised Gautam Gambhir to embrace tough questions in press conferences and not take criticism too personally.

Manjrekar to Gambhir: “Take a Chill Pill” Over Gill Criticism

Sanjay Manjrekar took a playful dig at India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir, suggesting he should “take a chill pill” when reacting to criticism during press conferences. The comment came after Gambhir passionately defended Shubman Gill following the drawn fourth Test against England, snapping back at those who doubted the young captain’s leadership and batting credentials.

“No one had any doubt in Shubman Gill’s talent. Those who had doubts only know how to speak cricket, not understand it,” Gambhir said firmly during the press interaction.

Gill had faced scrutiny ahead of the series, with questions raised about his red-ball form and readiness to lead. However, the 25-year-old silenced critics in style, amassing over 700 runs and leading with composure.

Speaking on JioHotstar, Manjrekar acknowledged Gambhir’s fiery nature but urged him to view the criticism as part of the game. “Gambhir has always been like that, and some questions clearly get under his skin—especially those about Gill as a young captain and batter,” he said. “But those are valid doubts. People who understand cricket also wonder if this was the right time for him to be given the responsibility.”

Manjrekar concluded by calling for a more collaborative mindset: “We’re all part of the same cricketing ecosystem. It’s not about ‘us vs them’—everyone wants the best for Indian cricket.”

“Gambhir should encourage questions that are tough”

Sanjay Manjrekar didn’t hold back as he continued his light-hearted critique of Gautam Gambhir’s fiery press conference demeanor, advising the India head coach to develop a more composed and open approach to tough questions. He encouraged Gambhir to avoid taking criticism too personally and to handle intense moments with a touch of humor and calm.

“So I just want him to sort of take a chill pill sometimes and just take it easy and answer questions—and encourage questions that are tough,” Manjrekar said. “I don’t know whether that’s likely to happen, but I’d like to see Gautam Gambhir having that quality at some stage,” he concluded.

The former cricketer’s comments came in the wake of Gambhir’s heated defense of Shubman Gill, who has been under scrutiny despite an impressive series. Manjrekar’s message was clear: healthy debate and criticism are part of the game, and responding with balance could help foster a more constructive cricketing environment.