IND vs SA: Sunil Gavaskar comes in support of Gautam Gambhir
Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has stepped forward to defend head coach Gautam Gambhir amid the growing wave of criticism following India’s Test series defeat to South Africa. This loss marked India’s third Test series setback under Gambhir’s leadership, intensifying scrutiny over his methods, team selections, and overall approach. However, Gavaskar firmly countered these narratives, arguing that the blame being placed on the coach is misplaced and unfair. Gavaskar emphasized that once players step onto the field, responsibility for performance rests squarely on their shoulders, not on the coach. He pointed out that a coach can offer guidance, structure, and motivation, but he cannot control execution in real time.
IND vs SA: Sunil Gavaskar comes in the defense of Gautam Gambhir
The legendary opener questioned why Gambhir’s critics have suddenly turned hostile while conveniently overlooking his recent achievements, including the major tournament victories India secured under his guidance earlier in the year. Gavaskar insisted that Gambhir deserves credit for these successes and should not be judged solely on a few disappointing results. He urged fans and experts to maintain perspective, reminding them that fluctuations in performance are natural in cricket. According to him, Gambhir’s commitment and hard work remain evident, and India’s current struggles should not overshadow the significant progress made under his tenure.
“A coach can prepare you, guide you, share all his experience, but once you step on those 22 yards, it’s the players who have to deliver. If you didn’t give Gambhir credit for the 2025 Champions Trophy win or the 2025 Asia Cup triumph, why blame him now? You can’t ignore the wins and only react to the losses,” stated former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar.
There has been a great deal of noise on social media regarding Gautam Gambhir’s role as India’s head coach, with criticism intensifying after the team’s recent dip in home Test performances. Many Indian cricket fans, along with sections of the cricketing community, have been vocal in their disappointment, arguing that India’s long-standing dominance in home conditions has noticeably declined during Gambhir’s tenure. The backlash has been particularly sharp given his status as a World Cup-winning player, with some feeling that the standards expected under his leadership have not been met.
The frustration grew louder after India’s Test series against South Africa began on a disappointing note. In the series opener at Eden Gardens, India suffered a 30-run defeat in what turned out to be a tense, low-scoring encounter. Despite the familiarity of home conditions, India struggled to assert themselves, allowing the Temba Bavuma–led South African side to seize key moments. The match exposed weaknesses in India’s batting and decision-making, ultimately placing the visitors firmly in control. This loss set the tone for the criticism that followed, as fans questioned the strategy, selection choices, and overall direction of the team under Gambhir’s stewardship.
The IND vs SA second Test in Guwahati turned into a one-sided affair, with South Africa completely overwhelming the hosts. The visitors handed India a crushing 408-run defeat, marking their first Test series win on Indian soil in 25 years and shattering multiple records along the way. The margin of victory highlighted the growing gap between the two sides, particularly in terms of discipline, execution, and adaptability in key moments.
India will now shift focus to the limited-overs leg of the tour, beginning with a three-match India vs South Africa ODI series followed by five T20Is. The all-format campaign, which started on November 14, is set to conclude on December 19. As the team transitions into white-ball cricket, much attention will remain on the management and leadership setup. Once the series ends, it is uncertain what decision the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will take regarding Gautam Gambhir’s future as head coach, making the coming weeks crucial for all involved.
