Legendary Sunil Gavaskar has strongly defended Team India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir after sharp criticism and public outrage erupted following 0-2 home Test series whitewash against South Africa.
In an interview with India Today, Gavaskar blasted detractors for their “selective criticism,” arguing that many ignored Gambhir’s achievements earlier in the year but were quick to call for his removal after the Test setback.
Sunil Gavaskar slams “double standards” in evaluating Gautam Gambhir’s coaching
Gavaskar questioned the inconsistency of public opinion, pointing out that the same individuals who are demanding Gambhir’s resignation were silent when India lifted major trophies under his leadership.
India’s limited-overs success ignored, says Gavaskar
India’s victories in the 2025 Champions Trophy and the 2025 Asia Cup came under Gambhir’s guidance, yet, as Gavaskar highlighted, he received no public acclaim at the time. The veteran accused critics of conveniently overlooking these wins when judging Gambhir’s tenure.
“To those asking for him to be held accountable, my counter-question is: what did you do when India won the Champions Trophy under him? What did you do when India won the Asia Cup under him?”
said Gavaskar.
The Little Master stressed that Gambhir’s contributions to India’s white-ball success demonstrate his capability, making the sudden backlash unjustified.
“Players must deliver on the field” – Gavaskar emphasizes shared responsibility
While calls for Gambhir’s dismissal have grown louder after India’s heaviest home defeat by runs – a 408-run loss in Guwahati – Gavaskar argued that the responsibility for poor performance cannot be placed solely on the coach.
Gavaskar clarified that while a coach can prepare strategies, it is ultimately the players who determine outcomes on the field.
“He’s a coach. The coach can prepare a team. But it’s out there in the middle that the players have to deliver.”
According to Gavaskar, India’s batting collapses, lapses in execution, and lack of composure had as much to do with the defeat as tactical decisions from the management.
Gavaskar calls for patience during India’s transition phase
Addressing the team’s inconsistent form, Gavaskar noted that Team India is undergoing a transition, with several young players still adapting to the rigours of Test cricket. He warned against rushing to judgment or expecting instant results during such a period of rebuilding.
He also highlighted the tight scheduling India has endured in recent months, pointing to player fatigue and mental exhaustion as significant contributors to the downturn in form.
Gavaskar urged fans and analysts to understand the complexities of coaching at the international level and to avoid “knee-jerk reactions” based on a single series outcome.
Criticism still mounts as Indian cricket fans express anger after Guwahati loss
Despite Gavaskar’s strong defense, public discontent remains high. Following the crushing defeat in Guwahati, spectators outside the stadium chanted “Gautam Gambhir haaye haaye”, reflecting the frustration circulating among fans.
Critics have accused Gambhir of:
questionable selection choices, tactical miscalculations and failing to maximize player potential throughout the South Africa series.
However, Gavaskar insists that judgment should be holistic, not reactionary.
“If you didn’t give him credit for the Champions Trophy and Asia Cup wins, then why blame him alone when the team doesn’t do well?” added Gavaskar.
As discussions continue about India’s direction in Test cricket, Gavaskar’s comments call for a more nuanced understanding of the factors behind the whitewash. With the team in transition and under pressure in the WTC cycle, the coming months will be crucial for Gambhir, the players and Indian cricket as a whole.
