'Why are you blaming him?': Sunil Gavaskar shields under fire Gautam Gambhir amid sacking calls

Sunil Gavaskar shields under fire Gautam Gambhir amid sacking calls (PTI Photo)

Fans are furious with head coach Gautam Gambhir after India lost its second Test series in the previous twelve months. Gambhir's credentials have been questioned as the team, currently in transition, appears to be losing its direction.

Even though India's 0-2 loss to South Africa has led to major criticism towards the coach, many still believe that Gambhir is simply a part of a bigger issue that has to do with player quality and lack of match winners as the team enjoyed in the past.

Speaking to India Today, Sunil Gavaskar defended Gambhir, saying critics are quick to blame him but slow to acknowledge his successes. He argued that Gambhir is scrutinised only when the team falters, while his contributions are overlooked when things go right.

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“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?” noted Gavaskar.

“Did you say then — you're asking for a sacking now — did you say then that he should be given an extended contract, a contract for life for one day cricket and for T20 cricket?” he continued. “You didn't say that. It's only when a team doesn't do well you look at the coach.”

Gambhir is under pressure amid calls for specialised coaches for the various formats, but Gavaskar didn't think it was necessary, citing the existence of all-format coaches in other countries. “Not necessarily. You have coaches, for example, Brendon McCullum is a coach for all three formats for England,” said Gavaskar.

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McCullum, who previously served as the red ball coach, took over as the coach in limited overs after England released Matthew Mott and Marcus Trescothick filled n on an interim basis.

“A lot of countries have a coach who is there for all formats. But we tend to only look and point a finger at somebody when the team has lost. You're not prepared to give him credit,” Gavaskar said. “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, not doing well. Why are you blaming him?” the India legend questioned.