Sunil Gavaskar Bats For Gautam Gambhir, Slams Critics Despite Back To Back Test Loss vs South Africa

Sunil Gavaskar, former Indian cricket captain and legendary batter, recently came to the defence of Gautam Gambhir. This followed India's 0-2 Test series defeat to South Africa. The loss was significant, with India succumbing to a massive 408-run defeat in the second Test at Guwahati's Barsapara Stadium. The series marked India's second home series defeat in just over a year.

Following the loss, Gambhir faced severe backlash from fans and experts alike. Some fans at the stadium even resorted to chanting "Gautam Gambhir hay hay." Many questioned his role as head coach. Gavaskar, however, argued that the criticism was inconsistent. "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 Questions the Critics

Gavaskar highlighted that Gambhir's contributions during India's Champions Trophy and Asia Cup victories were not acknowledged. He queried, "Did you say then-you're asking for a sacking now-did you say then that he should be given an extended contract, a contract for life for one day cricket and for T20 cricket? You didn't say that. It's only when a team doesn't do well you look at the coach."

Gavaskar stressed the importance of consistency in evaluation. He noted that when the team triumphed under Gambhir's guidance, there were no demands for lifetime contracts or praises. However, after the recent loss, critics were quick to demand accountability.

Coaching Across Formats

Discussing the suitability of Gambhir coaching all formats, Gavaskar pointed out that other teams have coaches for all formats. "Not necessarily. You have coaches, for example, Brendan McCullum is a coach for all three formats for England." He argued that Gambhir's role in all three formats should not be questioned based on recent results alone.

Gavaskar further emphasised that pointing fingers at the coach whenever the team falters is not fair. He stated, "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. Why are you blaming him?"