Ravichandran Ashwin defends Gautam Gambhir amid mounting criticism after series loss against South Africa

Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has defended Gautam Gambhir amid rising pressure after the series loss against South Africa. A lot of cricket pundits and fans have blamed the head coach for India’s mundane performance in the home conditions. 

India suffered a crushing 408-run loss at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, on Wednesday against the Proteas. Team India has suffered five losses in the last seven Test matches in Indian conditions.

Ashwin said Gautam Gambhir doesn’t deserve to be sacked after the series loss against South Africa.

“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.

The former Indian spinner said it is not fair to only question the head coach and not hold the players accountable for the team’s poor show.

“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.

India will next take on South Africa in a three-match ODI series.