Former spinner Harbhajan Singh wants the BCCI to adopt the concept of split coaching for India’s Test and white-ball teams.

Gautam Gambhir, who took charge as head coach after the end of Rahul Dravid’s tenure in June 2024, has failed to produce impressive result in Test cricket so far. In fact, India’s graph in the longest format has gone down drastically under his guidance, winning just four of 13 Tests.

In contrast, Gambhir has done exceptionally well with the white-ball side. With him at the helm of affairs, the Men in Blue won the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year in Dubai. The team is also playing fearless cricket in T20Is.

In an exclusive chat with India Today, Harbhajan suggested that using different coaches in red-ball and white-ball cricket isn't wrong as the players and teams are different.

He also emphasized that the split coaching policy will reduce the workload for everyone, including the coaches.

"I feel if it can be implemented, there is nothing wrong in it. You have different teams and different players for formats. If we can do it, it’s a good option. It will reduce workload for everyone, including the coaches. So if it can happen, it isn't a bad option," Harbhajan said.

"Because your coach also needs time to prepare for a series. Like five Tests against Australia, then in England, then elsewhere. So the coach can prepare and set out what his team should be. The same goes for a white-ball coach. He will need time to prepare as well."

"If you overwork one coach for the whole year, he, too has a family and responsibilities. Traveling constantly with family isn’t easy. So yes, if you ask me, splitting red-ball and white-ball coaching is a good move," he added.

India have never tried split coaching in their cricket history, with VVS Laxman deputizing after big tours in recent times.