New Delhi, November 27: Former off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has come to the defense of Indian team head coach Gautam Gambhir, who is facing severe criticism following a 0-2 defeat in the home Test series against South Africa. Ashwin stated that demanding the coach's removal is unjustified, especially at a time when the players themselves have not shouldered adequate responsibility for the performance.
India suffered a record 408-run defeat in the second Test match that concluded in Guwahati on Tuesday. The criticism against Gambhir has largely centered on the strategy of including a high number of all-rounders in the squad, which critics argue has disrupted the team's balance. However, Ashwin supported the former opening batsman, emphasizing that he should not be removed from his position, noting that Gambhir's tenure is scheduled to last until 2027, as per agency report.
Speaking on his YouTube program, Ashwin questioned the rationale behind the outcry, reminding viewers that sport involves ups and downs. He highlighted that managing a team is a complex task and the coaching staff is equally disappointed with the results. He urged for understanding, suggesting that while firing someone might seem like an appealing solution to some, it is not the correct approach. He clarified that his stance was not about blind support or personal relationships, stating that while mistakes can be identified, they can happen to anyone and sometimes prove costly.
Having retired from international cricket and the IPL, the former spinner acknowledged the need for accountability given India's strong home record in the past. However, he argued that targeting the coach alone while sparing the players from scrutiny is unfair. He pointed out that there are high stakes and significant financial aspects involved in Indian cricket, making the coaching position highly coveted, but ultimately, a coach cannot go out and bat in place of the players.
Ashwin challenged the critics to step into the coach's shoes, noting that while players require consistency, the primary responsibility for performance lies with them. He observed that he had not seen enough players taking the kind of responsibility that would justify blaming the coach entirely for the issues. While acknowledging that decision-making processes can always be improved, he expressed his dislike for personally targeting individuals simply to find a scapegoat for the team's failure.
