NEW DELHI: Gautam Gambhir's coaching style may split opinion in India, but Afghanistan's explosive wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz has no doubts about the former KKR mentor's impact. For him, Gambhir is the "best coach" he has ever worked with, and the young opener is perplexed by the criticism directed at him in recent weeks.

Gambhir has been under fire following India's 0–2 Test defeat to South Africa, which came on the heels of a historic 0–3 home loss to New Zealand last year - a slump that has shattered India's long-standing dominance in home conditions, with five defeats in their last seven Tests.

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Gurbaz, a key member of KKR's title-winning squad in 2024, believes the backlash against his "Gautam sir" is unwarranted and hard to understand.

"If 1.4 billion people are there in your country, you can say 2-3 million will be against him. The rest are with Gautam sir and with the India team. It doesn't make sense to talk about them," the 24-year-old told PTI in an interview on the sidelines of the fourth season of the ILT20.

Gurbaz calls Gambhir the best coach

"He's the best ever coach and human being, mentor that I have had in my career so far. I love the way he goes about things," Afghanistan opener couldn't stop waxing eloquent.

He was quick to highlight the success the Indian team has achieved under Gambhir's stewardship.

"India just won the Champions Trophy in ODI format, Asia Cup in T20 format. They have won a lot of series, so you can't blame them for one series."

Inside KKR's winning environment

Gurbaz said Gambhir's greatest strength was the environment he created at KKR - relaxed, pressure-free, yet firmly rooted in discipline - which allowed the team to flourish.

"I love the way he goes about his job. When you have a good environment, you will always be on the top. He made the environment very easy for us, nothing stressful, nothing strict... and that's why we won the tournament," he said.

"He is not strict but he is disciplined. He is strict only when something goes against discipline."

'Indian players need support, not blame'

The Afghan opener said Indian cricketers deserve empathy, not harsh judgment when chips are down.

"As a cricketer, I will never blame players because everyone works hard and tries their best. They lost, so what? They are human. Sometimes you lose -- it's part of life. When you are going through bad times, that's when you need support."

Recalls IPL title wins with KKR and Gujarat Titans

Gurbaz called his three-year stint with KKR "very exciting".

"Being with KKR for 3 years and then winning the championship was very good."

He also recalled being part of Gujarat Titans' victorious 2022 campaign.

"I am the guy who won two IPL championships -- first year with Gujarat," he said, referring to his stint as a replacement signing.

Released ahead of the upcoming auction by KKR, he is looking forward to the auction later this month.

"I am in the auction now...will see whoever wants me, where I deserve to go. Looking for a great season ahead."

He added that Delhi Capitals, apart from KKR, is his favourite team as India's national capital is his favourite city.

"Delhi feels like home. When I am in Delhi I feel like I am in Afghanistan," said Gurbaz, who would often frequent Afghan eateries in the capital's Lajpat Nagar, Bhogal, Jangpura areas.

Gurbaz further backed Shubman Gill to grow as a leader.

"I wish him the very best of luck for his captaincy. Why not? If he can do captaincy in IPL, Test and ODI sides, he can lead anywhere."

He said defending champions India will start favourites in the next year's T20 World Cup even without Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

"India have a lot of players. Virat and Rohit have a specific place in India… it should be forever and we will remember them forever."

Afghanistan face New Zealand, South Africa, Canada and UAE in their group in the tournament beginning on February 7.

"Just looking forward to winning the two matches to qualify. We don't target specific teams... Cricket is the only game where any team can beat you."

"UAE, Canada, New Zealand and South Africa are all the same for us. Cricket can hurt you if you take someone lightly."

Representing Gulf Giants this season, Gurbaz said: "ILT20 is a very exciting tournament. Most of the IPL players are here... It is a very clean, nice, tough competition. Looking forward to doing good performance."

(With PTI Inputs)