Gautam Gambhir gets a cushion from former India selector amidst firing from all ends
Published - 06 Nov 2024, 02:37 PM | Updated - 06 Nov 2024, 11:40 PM
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Former Indian selector Sunil Joshi has come out in support of the under-fire head coach of the Indian cricket team, Gautam Gambhir after New Zealand handed a 0-3 embarrassment to them in the recent three-match Test series at home.
Sunil Joshi urged the fans and critics not to hurry in passing judgment on Gautam Gambhir and his coaching just after a couple of Test series. Since taking over the reins as India’s head coach after the T20 World Cup 2024, Gambhir’s coaching journey has been rocky, with the national team facing a series of defeats that have cast doubts on his leadership capabilities.
Sunil Joshi defends Gautam Gambhir amidst backlash after historic Test whitewash at home
The Indian cricket team was whitewashed by Sri Lanka in the ODI series in July, followed by a historic 0-3 whitewash in the Test series against New Zealand on home turf.
The Kiwis broke India’s incredible 12-year unbeaten streak in Test cricket at home in a remarkable fashion. Since it was India's first home whitewash after more than two decades, the pressure has intensified naturally on Gambhir.
But Joshi feels it is unfair to judge his coaching style. He has described the current Indian head coach as a solid fighter with an unshakable commitment to the team. He stressed that this setback is simply part of Gambhir’s journey.
We need to give him time: Sunil Joshi
Sunil Joshi was quoted as saying by the Times of India: “Knowing Gautam Gambhir, he is a fighting cricketer, and we know his commitment towards the game or towards the team. No coach will ever want to be on the wrong side of a result. We need to give him time. Let's not judge by the two series we have seen, just five Test matches. Of course, on home soil, we have lost.”
Well, Sunil Joshi argued that the recent ODI and Test series losses should not be seen as a reflection of Gautam Gambhir's skill or dedication. Instead, the former Indian selector called for patience, emphasizing that Gambhir’s tenure deserves at least a two-year period to bring his vision to realization.
Furthermore, Joshi assured fans that Gambhir and his coaching staff are working tirelessly to find solutions and acclimatize to the toughest job in their hands. He believes that the results will speak for themselves in the coming series, as he predicted a brighter future for Team India under Gambhir.
Don't judge his acumen or his commitment: Sunil Joshi on Gambhir
He further noted, “I am sure he will also be disappointed with the way the Test matches have gone, but don't judge his acumen or his commitment. He is a fighter, and he will come out successful. I know that. We have to give time to Gambhir and his coaching staff to settle down. After two years, the results will be in front of us. Then we can judge.”
In the end, Joshi noted that the Australians are well aware that India has lost a Test series to New Zealand at home and the pressure is always more on the visiting team, so they need to be prepared to play absolutely hard cricket in the upcoming Test series, starting on November 22 in Perth.
