Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has come out in strong support of under-fire head coach Gautam Gambhir, following India's stunning 0-2 home Test series defeat to South Africa. Ashwin argues that it is unfair to single out the coach for sacking when the players have not shouldered enough responsibility for the team's performance.
A Series of Disappointing Results
The Indian cricket team faced a harsh reality check, being thoroughly outplayed in the two-match series that concluded in Guwahati on Tuesday, November 27. The defeat was capped by a record 408-run loss in the second and final Test, sending shockwaves through the cricketing community. A significant portion of the subsequent criticism has been aimed at Gautam Gambhir's strategic planning and his perceived push for all-rounders, which many believe upset the team's balance.
Ashwin's Emphatic Defence
However, on his popular YouTube show 'Ash ki Baat', Ashwin presented a contrasting viewpoint. Defending the former opener, who holds a contract with the team until 2027, Ashwin questioned the immediate calls for his removal. "Why are we doing this? It's a sport. Managing a team cannot be that easy. And yes, he is hurting too. We must understand that," Ashwin stated. He emphasized that the desire to see someone fired is not a constructive solution, adding, "I've never been that kind of person. It's not about supporting anyone, Gautam is not my relative."
Ashwin, who is now retired from international and IPL cricket, acknowledged that mistakes were made but stressed that anyone can err. He pointed to the high-stakes environment of Indian cricket, where there is "a lot to gain and a lot of money involved," as a reason why the coaching job is always under intense scrutiny.
The Core Question: What Can a Coach Do?
Ashwin redirected the focus squarely onto the players, posing a fundamental question to critics. "What can a coach do? I'm asking you a simple question. Put yourself in the coach's position," he said. He elaborated that while team selection and continuity can be debated, the ultimate skill and responsibility to perform on the field lies with the cricketers. "A coach cannot pick up the bat and go out to play. The skill to play and perform is the player's responsibility," Ashwin asserted.
Concluding his analysis, Ashwin made a clear appeal for shared accountability. "I haven't seen enough responsibility taken by enough players to say the coach is the problem," he revealed. While admitting that decision-making can always be improved, he expressed his distaste for the culture of finding a solitary scapegoat after a loss, a sentiment that challenges the prevailing narrative surrounding the team's recent failure.
