Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar jumped to the defence of Gautam Gambhir after India’s series loss against South Africa at home. Ever since the hosts lost the IND vs SA 1st Test in Kolkata, calls to sack the ex-Indian star as head coach had been growing louder. It only amplified after India suffered yet another whitewash following the loss in Guwahati. While Gambhir defended himself by citing India’s wins in CT 2025 and Asia Cup under his regime, Gavaskar echoed a similar sentiment and defended the head coach.
‘What did you do when India won…’
Speaking to India Today, Gavaskar pointed out that when no credit was given to Gambhir for helping India win Champions Trophy and Asia Cup, then he cannot be blamed just when the team loses. The former Indian cricketer noted that a coach could only prepare a team and that he cannot be blamed for the performance of the side out in the middle.
“He’s a coach. The coach can prepare a team… But it’s out there in the middle that the players have to deliver. Now, to those who are asking for him to be held accountable, my 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 said.
Gavaskar further drew a parallel between Gambhir and England head coach Brendon McCullum. Dismissing calls for a specialist coach in Tests, the ex-India opener pointed out that the Kiwi icon had started as a pure red-ball coach but had later become an all-format one and that the results he produced spoke for himself. Once again, Gavaskar pointed out that a coach was blamed only when a team lost.
“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?,” Gavaskar added.
