India’s humiliating 0-2 Test series defeat at the hands of South Africa has completely put pressure on head coach Gautam Gambhir and is facing criticism from all sides. But amidst this storm, Ravichandran Ashwin has extended his support to coach Gautam Gambhir who is surrounded by criticism.
The former Indian off-spinner has taken steps to calm the blame game and focus on the players following the team’s second home whitewash in 12 months. Earlier, New Zealand had defeated India 3-0 in the three-match Test series last year.
Ravichandran Ashwin defends coach Gautam Gambhir amid criticism after historic whitewash at home
The latest embarrassment was India’s third Test whitewash at home, and two of them have now come under Gambhir’s tenure. So, the response was immediate and clear. Fans demanded Gambhir’s removal after India’s massive 408-run defeat against South Africa in Guwahati.
On the other hand, cricket experts questioned Gambhir’s decisions and selection choices, with many accusing him of poor planning, wrong combinations and shaky decisions. But Ashwin refused to put the entire blame on Gambhir for India’s fifth defeat in nine Test matches at home.
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The former Indian all-rounder has made it clear that a coach can guide, plan and lead the team, but the ultimate responsibility always lies with the players on the field. He explained that even though Gambhir is taking all the decisions, the implementation is entirely up to the players.
Coach cannot pick up bat and go to play: Ravichandran Ashwin
The veteran spinner stressed that many players failed to show the responsibility expected at the highest level. He pointed out that no coach can pick up the bat or the ball for the team and at some point, players must own their performance.
Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube channel ‘Aish Ki Baat’: “We want to demand responsibility. It’s easy, because in Indian cricket, you know it and I know it – there’s a lot to achieve and there’s a lot of money involved. There are a lot of people willing to take the job, and there will always be people with their hat in the ring. But the fact is, a coach can’t pick up the bat and go out to play. He can only do his job, talking to the players. Could – that’s all.”
The former Indian spinner further added, “What can a coach do? I am asking you a simple question. Put yourself in the coach’s position. You can say that a player needs consistency and there is a lot of rotation – okay, agree. But the skill of playing and performing is the responsibility of the player. As a player, you should control what is under your control. It is up to the coach and the captain to take decisions – leave it.”
Ravichandran Ashwin defended Gautam Gambhir, said- players will also have to take responsibility
Ashwin felt that the criticism had become too personal and anger was being taken out on one man just because it was the easiest thing to do. He felt that this one-sided criticism made no sense, as he did not see enough effort or responsibility from many players on the field.
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The former Indian all-rounder also pointed out that better decisions are always possible, but the team can be successful only if the players themselves perform with consistency and skill. Ashwin reiterated that it is unfair to target one individual when the entire group has failed, but everyone is making Gambhir an easy scapegoat.
Ashwin also criticized the growing calls for Gambhir’s sacking and warned that removing the coach would not be a magical solution to India’s deep-rooted issues. The former Indian off-spinner has stressed that Gambhir is hurting as much as the fans, and throwing him out is not a solution.
Gautam is not my relative: Ravichandran Ashwin
He also stressed that the major problem is the lack of execution from the players taking the field. The cricket pundit further explained, “Why are we doing this? It’s a game. Managing a team can’t be that easy. And yes, he’s in pain too. We should understand that.”
Ashwin said, “It may feel good to sack someone, but it shouldn’t happen. I have never been that kind of person. It’s not about supporting anyone – Gautam is not my relative. I can even name 10 mistakes. Yes, mistakes happen, but anyone can make them. It’s just that when they cost you, they become very expensive.”
