Following a series of criticisms directed towards Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir, veteran cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has stepped forward to defend his colleague, urging fans and media to cease what he perceives as unwarranted "character assassination". Ashwin's plea comes amidst growing scrutiny of Gambhir's decisions, particularly concerning team selections and role assignments, which have sparked debate among cricket enthusiasts and experts alike.
The recent uproar seems to stem from several key incidents. Firstly, Gambhir has faced backlash for repeatedly sidelining Arshdeep Singh in T20I selections despite the bowler's proven track record. Ashwin openly questioned this decision, stating his disbelief at Arshdeep's absence from the playing XI and emphasizing that Arshdeep should be a priority selection, especially when Jasprit Bumrah is unavailable. He also cautioned against the potential negative impact of extended bench time on players like Arshdeep, suggesting it could lead to rustiness.
Adding fuel to the fire, former India player Manoj Tiwary recently accused Gambhir of creating an insecure environment that led to Ravichandran Ashwin's own retirement from international cricket. Tiwary claimed that Gambhir's decision to bring in Washington Sundar made Ashwin feel untrusted, ultimately contributing to his decision to retire during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Tiwary also suggested that Gambhir was responsible for the Test exits of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
Ashwin has also commented on Washington Sundar's role clarity within the team. He urged Gambhir to provide Sundar with clear direction, emphasizing that Sundar should be treated as a primary bowler who can also contribute with the bat, rather than the other way around. Ashwin argued that Sundar needs to bowl his full set of overs to develop the mindset of a bowler who can bat, preventing him from being uncertain about his role.
Furthermore, Ashwin highlighted India's struggles with finishing matches strongly. He questioned why a powerful finisher like Nitish Kumar Reddy wasn't given a chance in the absence of Hardik Pandya, suggesting that India might be missing the necessary "punch" at the end of innings. He noted that with the loss of experienced bowlers, India might need to score extra runs to compensate, especially if Jasprit Bumrah is not consistently available.
In response to the criticisms and accusations leveled against Gambhir, Ashwin has urged everyone to "stop pelting stones" and refrain from engaging in character assassination. While acknowledging the validity of discussing team selections and strategies, Ashwin has emphasized the importance of maintaining a respectful and constructive dialogue, avoiding personal attacks and undue negativity. Despite earlier dismissing Gambhir's call for unity after India's win against the West Indies, Ashwin has now come forward to defend Gambhir, highlighting the need for a more balanced and supportive environment within Indian cricket. He refuted claims that Gambhir forced him to retire, stating that several people, including Gambhir, had asked him to reconsider his decision.
As India continues to navigate its cricketing journey under Gambhir's guidance, Ashwin's appeal underscores the significance of fostering a culture of mutual respect and understanding, allowing for healthy debate without resorting to personal attacks.
