Former Indian cricketer R Ashwin has stepped forward to defend head coach Gautam Gambhir, who is facing intense scrutiny following India's disappointing 0-2 Test series defeat at home against South Africa. The series concluded on a sour note on Tuesday in Guwahati, with India suffering a massive 408-run loss in the second Test.
Unfair Blame Game, Says Ashwin
In a heartfelt discussion on his YouTube show 'Ash ki Baat', Ashwin questioned the mounting criticism directed solely at Gambhir. He emphasized that while it is easy to demand accountability due to India's formidable home record in the past, it is unjust to single out the coach and not ask tough questions of the players.
"Why are we doing this? It’s a sport. Managing a team cannot be that easy. And yes, he is hurting too," Ashwin stated, appealing for perspective. He clarified that his support for Gambhir is not personal but principled, stating, "Gautam is not my relative. I could also point out 10 mistakes."
Players Must Share Responsibility
Ashwin, who has retired from both international cricket and the IPL, highlighted the practical limitations of a coach's role. He posed a simple yet powerful question to the critics: "What can a coach do? A coach cannot pick up the bat and go out to play."
He argued that the primary skill and responsibility to perform on the field lies with the players. While acknowledging that team selection and decision-making can always be improved, Ashwin expressed his dissatisfaction with the trend of finding a solitary scapegoat. "I haven’t seen enough responsibility taken by enough players to say the coach is the problem," he remarked, underscoring that the blame should be shared collectively.
A Plea for Balanced Criticism
Ashwin also touched upon the high-stakes environment of Indian cricket, where significant financial gains and public pressure are constant factors. He urged fans and pundits to move away from individual attacks and understand the complexities of team management.
"I personally don’t like this individual attack, because we always look for someone to blame," Ashwin concluded, advocating for a more balanced and constructive approach to analyzing the team's performance. Despite the calls for Gambhir's removal, Ashwin firmly believes the coach, who has a contract until 2027, does not deserve to be sacked at this juncture.
