Legendary Sunil Gavaskar has strongly defended Group India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir after sharp criticism and public outrage erupted following 0-2 home Test series whitewash against South Africa.
In an interview with India In the present day, Gavaskar blasted detractors for his or her “selective criticism,” arguing that many ignored Gambhir’s achievements earlier within the 12 months however have been fast to name for his removing after the Take a look at setback.
Sunil Gavaskar slams “double requirements” in evaluating Gautam Gambhir’s teaching
Gavaskar questioned the inconsistency of public opinion, stating that the identical people who’re demanding Gambhir’s resignation have been silent when India lifted main trophies beneath his management.
India’s limited-overs success ignored, says Gavaskar
India’s victories within the 2025 Champions Trophy and the 2025 Asia Cup got here beneath Gambhir’s steering, but, as Gavaskar highlighted, he acquired no public acclaim on the time. The veteran accused critics of conveniently overlooking these wins when judging Gambhir’s tenure.
“To these asking for him to be held accountable, my counter-question is: what did you do when India received the Champions Trophy beneath him? What did you do when India received the Asia Cup beneath him?”
mentioned Gavaskar.
The Little Grasp pressured that Gambhir’s contributions to India’s white-ball success show his functionality, making the sudden backlash unjustified.
“Gamers should ship on the sphere” – Gavaskar emphasizes shared duty
Whereas requires Gambhir’s dismissal have grown louder after India’s heaviest residence defeat by runs – a 408-run loss in Guwahati – Gavaskar argued that the duty for poor efficiency can’t be positioned solely on the coach.
Gavaskar clarified that whereas a coach can put together methods, it’s finally the gamers who decide outcomes on the sphere.
“He’s a coach. The coach can put together a workforce. Nevertheless it’s on the market within the center that the gamers should ship.”
In response to Gavaskar, India’s batting collapses, lapses in execution, and lack of composure had as a lot to do with the defeat as tactical choices from the administration.
Gavaskar requires persistence throughout India’s transition part
Addressing the workforce’s inconsistent kind, Gavaskar famous that Group India is present process a transition, with a number of younger gamers nonetheless adapting to the rigours of Take a look at cricket. He warned towards speeding to judgment or anticipating on the spot outcomes throughout such a interval of rebuilding.
He additionally highlighted the tight scheduling India has endured in current months, pointing to participant fatigue and psychological exhaustion as important contributors to the downturn in kind.
Gavaskar urged followers and analysts to grasp the complexities of teaching on the worldwide degree and to keep away from “knee-jerk reactions” based mostly on a single collection consequence.
Additionally READ: 3 major reasons behind India’s whitewash against South Africa in a home Test series
Criticism nonetheless mounts as Indian cricket followers specific anger after Guwahati loss
Regardless of Gavaskar’s sturdy protection, public discontent stays excessive. Following the crushing defeat in Guwahati, spectators outdoors the stadium chanted “Gautam Gambhir haaye haaye”, reflecting the frustration circulating amongst followers.
Critics have accused Gambhir of:
questionable choice selections, tactical miscalculations and failing to maximise participant potential all through the South Africa collection.
Nonetheless, Gavaskar insists that judgment needs to be holistic, not reactionary.
“In the event you didn’t give him credit score for the Champions Trophy and Asia Cup wins, then why blame him alone when the workforce doesn’t do effectively?” added Gavaskar.
As discussions proceed about India’s path in Take a look at cricket, Gavaskar’s feedback name for a extra nuanced understanding of the components behind the whitewash. With the workforce in transition and beneath stress within the WTC cycle, the approaching months will probably be essential for Gambhir, the gamers and Indian cricket as a complete.
Additionally READ: R Ashwin, Sourav Ganguly, Michael Vaughan and others react to India’s Test series whitewash against South Africa
