'There is nothing wrong with Gambhir; Blame the players, not the coach': Gavaskar fires back

Legendary India opener Sunil Gavaskar has strongly backed head coach Gautam Gambhir after India’s crushing 0–2 Test series defeat to South Africa.

The hosts suffered a massive 408-run loss in the second Test in Guwahati on Wednesday — their second home series defeat in just over a year — triggering sharp criticism of Gambhir from fans and several former players. Some spectators at the venue were even heard shouting slogans against the coach.

Speaking to India Today, Gavaskar questioned the selective outrage directed at Gambhir, pointing out that the same people remained silent when India lifted major titles under him.

Gavaskar argued that while a coach can offer guidance, strategy, and preparation, the final execution lies with the players on the field.

“He's a coach. The coach can prepare a team… But it's out there in the middle that the players have to deliver,” Gavaskar said. “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?”

The former captain added that critics who now want Gambhir sacked did not demand lifelong extensions for him after those victories.

“Did you say then that he should be given an extended contract, a contract for life for one-day cricket and T20 cricket? You didn’t say that. It’s only when a team doesn’t do well that you look at the coach,” he said.

Gavaskar further defended Gambhir holding charge across formats, noting that several teams, including England under Brendon McCullum, operate with a single all-format coach. He emphasized that responsibility must be viewed consistently — both in success and failure.

“If you're not prepared to give him credit for the Champions Trophy and Asia Cup win, then why blame him for what the team did out there on that 22-yard strip?” Gavaskar said, urging fans to judge the coach with the same fairness in both good and bad times.