Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has come out strongly in defense of under-fire Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir following the team's disappointing 0-2 Test series whitewash against South Africa. The batting great questioned the selective criticism aimed at the coach while reminding everyone of India's recent trophy successes under the same leadership.
Gavaskar's Strong Defense of Gambhir
Speaking to 'India Today', Gavaskar made a compelling argument about the role of a coach versus player responsibility. "He's a coach. The coach can prepare a team. The coach can tell, you know, a guy with his experience. But it's out there in the middle that the players have to deliver," Gavaskar stated emphatically.
The 76-year-old cricket icon posed challenging questions to those calling for Gambhir's removal. "Now, to those who are asking for him to be held accountable, my question, counter-question is: what did you do when India won the Champions Trophy under him? What did you do when India won the Asia Cup under him?"
Gavaskar highlighted the inconsistency in public reaction, noting that while critics demand Gambhir's sacking after losses, they didn't advocate for contract extensions after major tournament victories.
Third Test Series Defeat Under Gambhir
The criticism against Gambhir intensified after India suffered a massive 408-run loss to South Africa in the second Test at Guwahati, resulting in a clean sweep of the two-match series. This marks India's third Test series defeat since Gambhir took over as head coach 16 months ago.
The disappointing results under Gambhir's leadership include:
- 0-3 home defeat against New Zealand
- 1-3 away loss to Australia
- 0-2 whitewash against South Africa
These consecutive setbacks in the longest format of the game have raised serious questions about the team's direction and coaching strategies.
International Coaching Precedents Cited
Gavaskar also addressed concerns about Gambhir handling all three formats, pointing to successful international examples. "You have coaches, for example, Brendon McCullum is a coach for all three formats for England. A lot of countries have a coach who is there for all formats," he explained.
The former India captain emphasized the unfairness of selective criticism, stating, "But we tend to only look and point a finger at somebody when the team has lost. You're not prepared to give him credit. If you're not prepared to give him credit for the Champions Trophy and the Asia Cup win, then please tell me why you want to blame him for the team out there on that 22-yard, not doing well."
Gavaskar's passionate defense comes at a crucial time for Indian cricket as the team management faces increasing scrutiny following the Proteas' dominant performance on Indian soil.
