Gavaskar Defends Gambhir Amidst Criticism
Sunil Gavaskar, the legendary former Indian cricketer, has stepped forward to defend Gautam Gambhir, who is currently facing severe criticism as head coach of the Indian cricket team. This comes in light of the team's disappointing 0-2 series loss against South Africa. Gavaskar emphasized that while a coach has the vital role of preparing a team, ultimately, the onus lies on the players to deliver their performance on the field.
In an interview with 'India Today,' Gavaskar pointedly questioned those blaming Gambhir for the recent defeats. He reminded critics of the past successes under Gambhir's leadership, including triumphs in notable tournaments like the Champions Trophy and Asia Cup. “What did you do when India won these titles under him? Did you call for his contract extension back then?” he asked, highlighting the inconsistency in public perception.
Gavaskar also addressed the notion of Gambhir being an all-format coach. He referenced England's Brendon McCullum, who successfully coaches all three formats of the game. According to Gavaskar, many countries have embraced this model, and it’s unjust to scrutinize Gambhir only when the team faces setbacks.
The former captain stressed the importance of giving credit where it is due. He argued that the same critics who are now quick to blame Gambhir for the team's poor performance should also acknowledge his past achievements. “If you don’t recognize his contributions in victories, why single him out for blame when the team fails?” he stated, urging a more balanced approach to criticism.
Under Gambhir's leadership, India has encountered challenges, including three Test series defeats within 16 months, with losses to New Zealand, Australia, and now South Africa. Despite these tough moments, Gavaskar's defense serves as a reminder that coaching is not solely to blame for the outcomes of games; it is a collective effort involving players' responsibilities as well.
As the cricketing community reflects on these events, Gavaskar's words resonate with the truth that sports involve both highs and lows, and accountability should be shared among all team members, including coaches and players alike.
