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By:

Bhalchandra Chorghade

11 August 2025 at 1:54:18 pm

Healing Beyond the Clinic

Dr Kirti Samudra “If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.” This thought by Mother Teresa finds reflection in the life of Panvel-based diabetologist Dr Kirti Samudra, who has spent decades caring not only for her family but also thousands of patients who see her as their guide. As we mark International Women’s Day, stories like hers remind us that women of substance often shape society quietly through compassion, resilience and dedication. Doctor, mother, homemaker,...

Healing Beyond the Clinic

Dr Kirti Samudra “If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.” This thought by Mother Teresa finds reflection in the life of Panvel-based diabetologist Dr Kirti Samudra, who has spent decades caring not only for her family but also thousands of patients who see her as their guide. As we mark International Women’s Day, stories like hers remind us that women of substance often shape society quietly through compassion, resilience and dedication. Doctor, mother, homemaker, mentor and philanthropist — Dr Samudra has balanced many roles with commitment. While she manages a busy medical practice, her deeper calling has always been service. For her, medicine is not merely a profession but a responsibility towards the people who depend on her guidance. Nagpur to Panvel Born and raised in Nagpur, Dr Samudra completed her medical education there before moving to Mumbai in search of better opportunities. The early years were challenging. With determination, she and her husband Girish Samudra, an entrepreneur involved in underwater pipeline projects, chose to build their life in Panvel. At a time when the town was still developing and healthcare awareness was limited, she decided to make it both her workplace and home. What began with modest resources gradually grew into a trusted medical practice built on long-standing relationships with patients. Fighting Diabetes Recognising the growing threat of diabetes, Dr Samudra dedicated her career to treating and educating patients about the disease. Over the years, she has registered nearly 30,000 patients from Panvel and nearby areas. Yet she believes treatment alone is not enough. “Diabetes is a lifelong disease. Medicines are important, but patient education is equally critical. If people understand the condition, they can manage it better and prevent complications,” she says. For more than 27 years, she has organised an Annual Patients’ Education Programme, offering diagnostic tests at concessional rates and sessions on lifestyle management. Family, Practice With her husband frequently travelling for business, much of the responsibility of raising their two children fell on Dr Samudra. Instead of expanding her practice aggressively, she kept it close to home and adjusted her OPD timings around her children’s schedules. “It was not easy,” she recalls, “but I wanted to fulfil my responsibilities as a mother while continuing to serve my patients.” Beyond Medicine Today, Dr Samudra also devotes time to social initiatives through the Bharat Vikas Parishad, where she serves as Regional Head. Her projects include  Plastic Mukta Vasundhara , which promotes reduced use of single-use plastic, and  Sainik Ho Tumchyasathi , an initiative that sends Diwali  faral  (snack hamper) to Indian soldiers posted at the borders. Last year alone, 15,000 boxes were sent to troops. Despite decades of service, she measures success not in wealth but in goodwill. “I may not have earned huge money,” she says, “but I have earned immense love and respect from my patients. That is something I will always be grateful for.”

A Polarising Figure in Indian Cricket Coaching

Gautam Gambhir’s tenure as head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team has been a rollercoaster of triumphs and tribulations. Appointed in July 2024 following Rahul Dravid’s successful stint, Gambhir brought a reputation for tactical brilliance from his IPL mentorship, where he guided Kolkata Knight Riders to a title in 2024. Yet, despite notable successes in white-ball cricket, including leading India to victories in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and the 2025 Asia Cup, he remains a deeply divisive figure. Many fans, pundits, and even former players express outright disdain for him, often amplified on social media platforms like X.


In my opinion, this dislike stems not just from recent Test cricket failures but from Gambhir’s inherent personality traits—his abrasiveness, perceived favouritism, and a history of controversies—that clash with the expectations of a more diplomatic coaching role. While his results in limited-overs formats are commendable, they haven’t shielded him from criticism, highlighting how personal style can overshadow professional achievements in the high-stakes world of Indian cricket.


SWOT analysis

To understand this paradox, it’s essential to dissect Gambhir’s coaching profile through a SWOT analysis, which reveals both his potential and pitfalls.


Strengths: Gambhir’s greatest asset is his strategic mind and ability to foster winning cultures in high-pressure environments. As a player, he was instrumental in India’s 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup triumphs, scoring crucial runs in finals. Translating that to coaching, he has excelled in white-ball cricket. Under his guidance, India clinched the 2025 Champions Trophy, defeating strong sides like England and Australia, with innovative tactics such as aggressive batting lineups and versatile all-rounders. The 2025 Asia Cup win further showcased his knack for player motivation, where young talents like Nitish Kumar Reddy thrived. His IPL legacy—two titles as KKR captain and one as mentor—demonstrates a proven track record in T20 formats, where quick decisions and bold selections pay off. Gambhir’s no-nonsense approach also instills discipline, as seen in India’s drawn Test series in England in 2025, where the team showed resilience against a formidable opposition on away soil. These successes prove he can deliver “good results,” particularly in formats that suit his aggressive philosophy.


Weaknesses: However, Gambhir’s weaknesses are glaring and often fuel the dislike. His communication style is blunt and confrontational, which alienates stakeholders. For instance, post the humiliating 0-3 home Test series loss to New Zealand in 2024 and the recent 0-2 whitewash by South Africa in 2025, Gambhir’s press conferences have been defensive, dismissing critics with remarks like, “I’m the same guy who got results in England.” This comes across as arrogant, especially when contrasted with predecessors like Dravid, who handled setbacks with grace. Critics point to perceived favoritism in selections, such as prioritising IPL performers like Sai Sudarshan (despite a modest Ranji average) over domestic stalwarts like Sarfaraz Khan or Abhimanyu Easwaran.


Social media erupts with accusations of “ego and hate,” with X users labeling him the “worst Test coach” after India lost five home Tests in a year—a stark decline from the fortress India was under Shastri and Dravid. Gambhir’s political affiliations with the BJP and past on-field spats (e.g., with Virat Kohli) add layers of personal baggage, making him a target for those who see him as divisive rather than unifying. His pessimistic demeanor, as noted by former coach John Wright in a 2019 article, where Gambhir was described as “insecure and negative,” persists, eroding team morale during slumps.


Opportunities: Looking ahead, Gambhir has ample chances to turn the narrative. The upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup presents a platform to leverage his strengths in shorter formats, where India’s talent pool aligns with his all-rounder-focused strategies. Transitioning the team post the retirement of seniors like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli could be his redemption arc; by nurturing emerging stars and integrating data-driven selections, he could rebuild India’s Test dominance. Collaborations with supportive figures like Suresh Raina, who recently defended him by emphasizing player responsibility over coaching blame, could help mend public perception. If Gambhir adapts his style—perhaps by being more empathetic in media interactions—he could capitalize on India’s vast resources to achieve multi-format consistency, silencing detractors and cementing his legacy.


Threats: The biggest threats to Gambhir’s position are external pressures and internal fractures. Media scrutiny is relentless; outlets like Hindustan Times and India Today have lambasted his “lost in transition” excuses, while Iceland Cricket’s satirical jab about his poor win percentage underscores global ridicule. BCCI’s impatience could lead to his ouster, as hinted in reports of potential replacements like VVS Laxman. Player unrest, fueled by selection controversies, risks a dressing room revolt, especially if veterans feel sidelined. Broader threats include the evolving game—where Test cricket demands patience over aggression—and fan backlash on platforms like X, where hashtags like #SackGambhir trend after every loss. If white-ball successes wane, these threats could culminate in an abrupt exit, mirroring his IPL coaching stints that ended amid reported conflicts.


(The writer is a senior journalist based in Mumbai. Views personal.)

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