Famous Sunil Gavaskar Has strongly defended the head coach of Team India Gautam Gambhir After sharp criticism and public outrage erupted Eliminated 0-2 in the home test series against South Africa,
In an interview with India Today, Gavaskar fiercely criticized his opponents “Selective Criticism,” Arguing that many had ignored Gambhir’s achievements at the beginning of the year, there were immediate calls for his removal after his Test failure.
Sunil Gavaskar criticizes “double standards” in evaluating Gautam Gambhir’s coaching
Gavaskar questioned the inconsistency of public opinion, saying that those demanding Gambhir’s resignation were silent when India won major trophies under his leadership.
Gavaskar says India’s limited overs success was ignored
India’s victories in the 2025 Champions Trophy and 2025 Asia Cup came under Gambhir’s guidance, yet, as Gavaskar pointed out, he did not receive any public praise at the time. The veteran accused critics of conveniently ignoring these wins while evaluating Gambhir’s tenure.
“My counter question to those who are demanding to hold him accountable is this: What did you do when India won the Champions Trophy under his leadership? What did you do when India won the Asia Cup under his leadership?”
Gavaskar said.
The Little Master insisted that Gambhir’s contribution to India’s white-ball success reflected his ability, making a sudden reaction inappropriate.
“Players must perform well on the field” – Gavaskar emphasizes shared responsibility
While calls for Gambhir’s sacking have intensified following India’s biggest defeat by runs on home soil – a 408-run defeat in Guwahati – Gavaskar argued that the responsibility for the poor performance cannot be placed solely on the coach.
Gavaskar clarified that a coach can formulate strategies, but ultimately it is the players who determine the outcome on the field.
“He is a coach. A coach can prepare a team. But in between the players have to perform well.”
According to Gavaskar, India’s batting collapse, lapses in execution and lack of composure had as much to do with the defeat as the management’s tactical decisions.
Gavaskar calls for patience during India’s transition period
Addressing the team’s inconsistent form, Gavaskar said that Team India is going through a period of change, with many of the young players still adapting to the rigors of Test cricket. He cautioned against rushing into decisions or expecting immediate results during such a period of reconstruction.
He also highlighted the tough schedule faced by India in recent months, pointing to player fatigue and mental exhaustion as key contributors to the decline in form.
Gavaskar urged fans and analysts to understand the complexities of coaching at the international level and avoid “casual reactions” based on the outcome of a series.
Also read: 3 big reasons for India’s defeat against South Africa in the home test series
Criticism still continues as Indian cricket fans express anger after Guwahati defeat
Despite Gavaskar’s strong defence, public discontent remains. Spectators outside the stadium after the crushing defeat in Guwahati Speak “Gautam Gambhir Haye Haye Haye”Reflects the widespread disappointment among fans.
Critics made these allegations against Gambhir:
Questionable selection choices, tactical miscalculations and a failure to maximize the player’s potential throughout the South Africa series.
However, Gavaskar insists that the decision should be holistic and not reactionary.
“If you did not give him credit for the Champions Trophy and Asia Cup wins, then why blame him alone when the team does not perform well?” Added Gavaskar.
As discussions continue about India’s direction in Test cricket, Gavaskar’s comments call for a more nuanced understanding of the factors behind the whitewash. With the team in transition and under pressure heading into the WTC cycle, the coming months will be critical for the players and Indian cricket as a whole.