Shashi Tharoor Says Gambhir Has "Hardest Job After PM", Indian Coach Responds

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor's observation that being the head coach of the Indian cricket team is the 'hardest job after Prime Minister' has sparked a thoughtful response from Gautam Gambhir.

Tharoor made the comment during a television interview, highlighting the immense pressure and scrutiny that comes with managing the expectations of 1.4 billion cricket fans.

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"In India, there are only two jobs where a billion people think they can do better - Prime Minister and cricket team coach," Tharoor said with characteristic wit.

Gambhir, speaking at a press conference ahead of the upcoming series, acknowledged the unique pressures of the role. "When I took this job, I knew what I was signing up for. The expectations are enormous, but so is the talent pool I get to work with."

The former opener, who took over as head coach last year, has faced both praise and criticism during his tenure. While India won the home Test series convincingly, overseas performances have been mixed.

"Every decision is analyzed by millions of experts," Gambhir noted. "But I've always believed in my methods, and I'm confident we're building something special."

Tharoor later clarified that his comment was meant to highlight the passion Indians have for cricket rather than to compare the actual difficulty of the roles.

"Cricket is our national religion, and the coach is a high priest who must deliver miracles regularly," he wrote on social media.