India’s embarrassing 0-2 Test series defeat to South Africa has put head coach Gautam Gambhir under immense pressure, but cricket great Sunil Gavaskar has come to his rescue. The second Test at the Barsapara Stadium ended in a heavy 408-run defeat to the Proteas, India’s second home Test series whitewash in just 13 months.
Last year, it had to face a 0-3 defeat at the hands of New Zealand at home. Now, this defeat has angered fans and experts, with some spectators even raising slogans against Gambhir in the stadium, following which BCCI had to take formal action.
Sunil Gavaskar hits out at critics targeting Gautam Gambhir after 0-2 defeat
There was also a flood of criticism on social media with many demanding action against the head coach. However, Sunil Gavaskar pointed out that while Gambhir was not given any credit for helping India win the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and ACC Asia Cup 2025, he cannot be blamed for these embarrassments either.
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The great batsman pointed out that a coach can only plan, guide and prepare the team, but on the field the players have to perform. Gavaskar said it is unfair to blame Gambhir alone for the team’s poor performance as players are responsible for executing the game plan.
Players failed, not Gautam Gambhir: Sunil Gavaskar
India Today quoted Sunil Gavaskar as saying, “He is a coach. A coach can prepare a team. You know a coach can tell as a person with his experience. But the players have to work in the middle. Now, for those who are asking, you know, to hold him accountable, my question, my counter question is this: What did you do when India won the Champions Trophy under him? What did you do when India won the Asia Cup under him?”
The former Indian captain further said, “Did you say then – now you are demanding sacking – did you say then that he should be given an extended contract, a lifetime contract for ODI cricket and T20 cricket? You did not say that. It is only when a team does not perform well that you look at the coach.”
Sunil Gavaskar backs Gautam Gambhir as India coach in all formats
Amidst heavy criticism and growing demands for Gambhir’s sacking, Gavaskar backed the former World Cup winner as India’s head coach in all three formats.
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The great batsman said there is nothing wrong in a coach leading the way in Tests, ODIs and T20Is, pointing out that Brendon McCullum is doing the same in countries like England.
The renowned broadcaster further explained that in India, whenever the team loses, people often blame the coach, without looking at the bigger picture. He stressed that coaching across all formats is normal and the real focus should be on the players performing on the field.
If you never praised Gautam Gambhir then why blame him?
The great cricketer even argued that it is unfair to blame the coach alone for the team’s poor performance on the field when he is not given credit for the team’s success.
Gavaskar said, “You are not ready to give him credit. If you are not ready to give him credit for the Champions Trophy and Asia Cup wins, then please tell me why you want to blame him for the 22-yard team not doing well. Why are you blaming him?”
