MS Dhoni's close aid intervenes to stop BCCI from sacking Gautam Gambhir

Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has come out in support of Gautam Gambhir after India’s heavy 0–2 Test series loss to South Africa. He has pointed out that too much blame is being placed on head coach Gautam Gambhir while players are getting a free pass.

Uthappa, who has played with Gautam Gambhir both for India and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL, said that it is easier to blame the coach than to look at the real problems in India’s Test team. India has been struggling in tests since Gambhir took over as the head coach in the middle of 2024.

Robin Uthappa slams one-sided criticism of Gautam Gambhir after South Africa debacle

They were whitewashed 0–3 by New Zealand last year and then lost 0–2 to South Africa. In Guwahati, South Africa batted first and scored 489. India managed only 201 in the first innings. South Africa then declared at 260 for 5 in their second innings, setting India a huge target of 549.

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India’s batters couldn’t handle the pressure and were all out for 160. Following the 408-run defeat, Gautam Gambhir has received massive backlash from all quarters. However, Sunil Gavaskar strongly defended the head coach, and Uthappa praised the former Indian captain for defending Gambhir.

Robin Uthappa said on his YouTube show with Jarrod Kimber, “I liked what Sunny Gavaskar said. Sunny G said you can call for his head if you called for his extension after the Champions Trophy triumph or the Asia Cup. People need someone to blame this on.”

Robin Uthappa questions India’s Test approach amid growing criticism

The 2007 T20 World Cup winner admitted that some criticisms, like unstable batting orders and picking all-rounders over specialist batsmen, are valid, but it is unfair to focus only on the coach. The real issues go beyond one person, and India will need to fix them to improve in Test cricket.

Uthappa further explained, “Yes, there have been a lot of things said, and I understand where it comes from. People are saying there is no steady batting order, there are too many changes, and there are fewer specialists and more all-rounders in the squad. Those are all very valid points.

I think there needs to be a relook at how Test cricket is approached. That’s certainly valid. There are grievances about his style of coaching. What’s good is that a lot of what Gauti is doing works in white-ball cricket. But will that necessarily work in red-ball cricket? Not always.”

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Robin Uthappa slams Indian batters for avoiding responsibility in Tests

The former Indian batter also highlighted that India’s batters need to take more responsibility in Test cricket. He pointed out that the batters must learn to defend, grind out innings, and play according to the situation instead of just trying to hit big shots.

He signed off by saying, “I definitely think you need specialists there. But one thing we are all missing is the fact that no one is really talking about the players and the ownership they should be taking."

"Everyone is going after the coach, his record and India’s record in the last year. A lot of valid points have been made about his style of coaching and the discrepancies that exist at this point in time.”