Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has come to the defence of Gautam Gambhir following India’s 0–2 Test series loss to South Africa at home. Calls for Gambhir’s removal as head coach had intensified after India lost the first Test in Kolkata, and the demand only grew louder after the whitewash in Guwahati. While Gambhir cited India’s victories in the 2025 Champions Trophy and Asia Cup under his leadership, Gavaskar echoed similar sentiments, arguing that a coach cannot be held solely responsible for a team’s on-field performance.
Sunil Gavaskar defends Gambhir, highlights past successes
Speaking to India Today, Gavaskar stressed that a coach’s role is to prepare the team, but the players ultimately have to perform 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. Now, to those who are 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?” Gavaskar said.
The cricketing legend also drew a comparison between Gambhir and England head coach Brendon McCullum. Gavaskar noted that McCullum began as a red-ball specialist coach but later became an all-format coach, with his results speaking for themselves. He reiterated that coaches are often criticised only when a team loses.
“If you’re not prepared to give him credit for the Champions Trophy and the Asia Cup win, then please tell me why you want to blame him for the team out there on that 22-yard strip not doing well. Why are you blaming him?” Gavaskar added.
