R Ashwin defends Gautam Gambhir: ‘What can a coach do?’

Former Indian cricketer R Ashwin defends India head coach Gautam Gambhir after the 0-2 Test series loss to South Africa.

Former off-spinner R. Ashwin has come out in support of India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir after the team’s 0–2 Test series loss to South Africa. He said it’s unfair to call for Gambhir’s removal when the players themselves haven’t taken enough responsibility.

India were completely outplayed in the series, which ended in Guwahati on Tuesday, losing the second and final Test by a massive 408 runs. Many critics have blamed Gambhir’s strategies and his focus on picking all-rounders, which they feel affected the team’s balance.

However, Ashwin believes Gambhir, whose contract runs until 2027, should not be sacked.

“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.

Ashwin, who has retired from both international cricket and the IPL, said he understands why people expect someone to take responsibility, especially given India’s strong home record. However, he feels it’s unfair to blame only the coach without questioning the players too.

“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 emphasised that the players must also take responsibility.

“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.

Team India face South Africa in the 1st ODI at the JSCA Stadium in Ranchi on Sunday, November 30.

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