Gautam Gambhir, the current head coach of the Indian cricket team, is facing a wave of criticism on social media following India's 2-0 Test series defeat to South Africa. The series loss, culminating in a record 408-run defeat in Guwahati, has led to increased scrutiny of Gambhir's strategies, team selections, and overall coaching approach. However, several prominent figures in Indian cricket have come out in support of Gambhir, emphasizing that the coach cannot be solely responsible for the team's performance.
Sunil Gavaskar, the legendary Indian batsman, has staunchly defended Gambhir, pointing out the unfairness of criticizing him only during moments of failure while overlooking his contributions to India's victories in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and the 2025 Asia Cup. Gavaskar argued that a coach's role is to prepare the team, but ultimately, it is the players who must perform on the field. He questioned why Gambhir wasn't given credit for the Champions Trophy and Asia Cup wins, asking why he should be blamed now for the team's poor performance in the Test series. Gavaskar also dismissed the idea of having separate coaches for different formats, citing Brendon McCullum as an example of a successful coach across all formats.
Former Indian off-spinner R Ashwin has also voiced his support for Gambhir, cautioning against the urge to "find someone to blame" after significant losses. Ashwin emphasized that managing a team is a complex task and that players need to take responsibility for their performances. He stated that a coach cannot pick up the bat and go out to play, highlighting the limitations of a coach's influence on the field. Ashwin acknowledged that mistakes are inevitable but did not justify a "witch-hunt" against Gambhir. He urged that the players should also take responsibility.
Robin Uthappa, a former teammate of Gambhir, echoed similar sentiments, questioning why the players are not being held accountable. Uthappa appreciated Gavaskar's stance, emphasizing that it is easier to blame someone than to find genuine solutions. While acknowledging valid concerns about the team's composition and approach, Uthappa stressed that players need to "put their hands up more" and take ownership of their performances.
Despite the backing from these legends, Gambhir's coaching methods have faced scrutiny. Critics have pointed to the constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, the preference for all-rounders over specialists, and a perceived lack of stability in the batting order. Some suggest that Gambhir's aggressive approach, while successful in limited-overs cricket, may not be as effective in the Test format. Ravi Shastri, the former India coach, criticized Gambhir's team selection, expressing confusion over changes in the batting order.
In response to the criticism, Gambhir stated that his future is for the BCCI to decide. He acknowledged the team's poor performance, particularly the batting collapse in the second Test against South Africa, but refrained from blaming individuals. Gambhir's tenure has been marked by India's struggles in Test cricket, including two home series whitewashes. However, he also led India to victory in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and the 2025 Asia Cup.
The debate surrounding Gautam Gambhir's coaching reflects a broader discussion about accountability and responsibility in Indian cricket. While social media often demands immediate solutions and scapegoats, many within the cricketing fraternity recognize the complexities of coaching and the importance of player performance. As India navigates a period of transition, the focus remains on finding the right balance between strategic direction and individual player responsibility.
