After India's 0-2 home Test series loss to South Africa, former off-spinner R Ashwin backed under-fire head coach Gautam Gambhir, arguing that it is inappropriate to demand his dismissal at a time when the players have not taken enough responsibility.
India lost by a record 408 runs in the second and final Test of the series, which ended in Guwahati on Tuesday. Most of the criticism has been aimed at Gambhir's strategy and his insistence on having all-rounders in the team, which has impacted its balance.
Ashwin, however, stated that the former opener, whose contract expires in 2027, is not deserving of being fired.
“Why are we doing this? It’s a sport. Managing a team cannot be that easy. And yes, he is hurting too. We must understand that. It might feel nice to get someone sacked, but that’s not how it should be,” Ashwin said in his Youtube show ‘Ash ki Baat’.
“I’ve never been that kind of person. It’s not about supporting anyone, Gautam is not my relative. I could also point out 10 mistakes. Yes, mistakes happen, but anybody can make them. It’s just that when they cost you, they become very expensive,” he added.
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Ashwin, who is retired from both the IPL and international cricket, stated that while he recognizes the need to assign blame in light of India's impressive home record in the past, it is unjust to single out the coach without also questioning the players.
“We want to ask for responsibility. It’s easy, because in Indian cricket, you know it and I know it — there’s a lot to gain and a lot of money involved,” he said.
“So many people are ready to take the job, and there will always be people putting their hat in the ring. But the fact is, a coach cannot pick up the bat and go out to play."
“What can a coach do? I’m asking you a simple question. Put yourself in the coach’s position. You may say a player needs continuity and that there has been a lot of rotation, fine, agreed. But the skill to play and perform is the player’s responsibility,” he added.
Ashwin asked the players to accept accountability as well.
“I haven’t seen enough responsibility taken by enough players to say the coach is the problem…I didn’t see enough from the players’ side to blame decision-making alone. Sure, decision-making can always be better, no doubt,” he said.
“But I personally don’t like this individual attack, because we always look for someone to blame,” Ashwin added.
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