'Maybe some people have agenda': India batting coach defends Gautam Gambhir amid criticism

India batting coach defends Gautam Gambhir amid criticism

Gautam Gambhir shouldn't bear sole responsibility for India's loss against South Africa in the first Test according to batting coach Sitanshu Kotak. The team's terrible performance in the longer format, particularly at home, has drawn harsh criticism towards the head coach. The team has managed four wins in eight home Tests since Gambhir took command.

Kotak pointed out that the bowlers, batters, and support personnel could have done things better. "'Gautam Gambhir, Gautam Gambhir' (criticism) is being done. I am saying this because I am a staff and I feel bad. That's not the way," Kotak said in the press-conference. He added the criticism is sometimes agenda-driven. "Maybe some people individually have agendas. Good luck to them, but it is very bad."

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What surprised Kotak was people not questioning anyone other than Gambhir. "No one is saying that this batsman did this, this bowler did that, or we can do something different in batting," Kotak said referring to the batting collapse that led to the rather embarrassing loss.

Kotak lauded Gambhir for admitting upfront that he wanted such a wicket and the curator did his best to ensure that team's requests were accommodated. "See, in the last match wicket, Gautam said that he took all the blame on himself. He said that he took the blame because he felt that he should not put the blame on the curators," he said.

India will now look to recover from their 30-run loss to South Africa when they engage in the second and final Test at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati starting on November 22.

Meanwhile, as reported by The Indian Express Gill hasn't entirely recovered from the neck injury he suffered while batting in the first Test and is set to miss the match. Rishabh Pant will lead the unit in his absence.