Legendary Sunil Gavaskar Team India strongly defended the head coach Gautam Gambhir It erupted after sharp criticism and public outrage 0-2 Home Test series whitewash against South Africa.
In an interview with India Today, Gavaskar blasted them for damaging “Selective Criticism” Claiming that many had ignored Gambhir’s success at the start of the year, he hastened his removal only after the Test failed.
Sunil Gavaskar slams ‘double standards’ while appraising Gautam Gambhir’s coaching
Questioning the inconsistency of public opinion, Gavaskar claimed that the same people who demanded Gambhir’s resignation were silent when India lifted major trophies under his leadership.
India’s limited-overs success is not taken into account, says Gavaskar
India’s victories of 2025 champions trophy and 2025 Asia Cup did not get any national acclaim at that time as GABASKARI scored as GAVASKAR. The veteran accused Gambhir’s critics of taking this win for granted while judging his tenure.
“To those who want him to be held accountable, 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 Asian Cup under him?”
said Gavaskar.
The junior master emphasized that the sudden withdrawal of Gambhir’s contributions to India’s white-ball success was unwarranted.
“Players have to deliver on the field” – Gavaskar emphasizes shared responsibility
As calls for Gambhir’s sacking grew after India’s heaviest home defeat – a 408-run loss in Guwahati – Gavaskar maintained that the responsibility for the poor performance could not be placed solely on the coach.
Gavaskar made it clear that while a coach devises strategies, it is ultimately the players who determine the results on the field.
“He’s a coach. A coach can build a team. But in the middle, it turns out the players need to deliver.”
According to Gavaskar, India’s batting is collapsing, lack of execution and commitment should be attributed to the defeat as much as the management’s tactical decisions.
Gavaskar urges patience during India’s transition phase
Addressing the team’s inconsistent form, Gavaskar noted that Team India has adapted to Test cricket with several young players, some of whom are young players. He warned against rushing to decisions or expecting immediate results during the reconstruction period.
He also highlighted the fact that he has been stalled in recent months, pointing to player fatigue and mental exhaustion as a significant contributor to form.
Gavaskar urged fans and pundits to understand the complexities of coaching at the international level and avoid “chain reactions” over a single series result.
Read: 3 A big reason behind India’s whitewash against South Africa in the home Test series
Criticism Still Indian cricket fans express anger after Guwahati loss
Despite Gavaskar’s strong defense, public resentment remains high. Spectators outside the stadium after the crushing defeat in Guwahati gubarli “Gautam gambhir haaye haaye”frustration that reflects the wandering among the fans.
Critics accused Gambhir of:
Questionable selection choices, tactical miscalculations and to maximize player potential throughout the South Africa series.
However, Gavaskar insists that the apostasy is not reactionary but non-uniform.
“If you didn’t give credit for the Champions Trophy and the Asian Cup, why do you blame the team alone when it doesn’t do well?” Additional Gavaskar.
As debate continues over India’s leadership in Test cricket, Gavaskar’s comments call for a more nuanced understanding of the factors behind the whitewash. With the team under pressure in transition and the WTC era, the coming months will be crucial for Gambhir, the player as a whole and Indian cricket.
