Ravichandran Ashwin becomes Gautam Gambhir’s human shield after India’s home Test series loss to South Africa

India’s humiliating 0–2 Test series loss to South Africa has turned the heat entirely on head coach Gautam Gambhir, and the criticism has been pouring in from every direction. But in the middle of this storm, Ravichandran Ashwin has extended his support to the under-fire coach Gautam Gambhir.

The former Indian off-spinner has stepped in to calm the blame game and shift the spotlight back onto the players following the team’s second home whitewash within 12 months. Earlier, New Zealand had whitewashed India in a three-match Test series 3-0 last year.

Ravichandran Ashwin defends coach Gautam Gambhir amid criticism after historic whitewash at home

The latest embarrassment was India’s third Test whitewash at home, and two of those have now come under Gambhir’s stint. So, the backlash was instant and obvious. Following India’s massive 408-run defeat against South Africa in Guwahati, fans demanded Gambhir’s removal.

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On the other hand, cricket experts questioned Gambhir’s decisions and selection choices, with many accusing him of poor planning, wrong combinations, and shaky judgment. But Ashwin refused to put the entire blame on Gambhir for India’s fifth loss in nine tests at home.

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The former Indian all-rounder has made it clear that a coach can guide, plan, and push the team, but the final responsibility always lies with the players who walk onto the field. He pointed out that Gambhir may be making all the decisions, but the execution totally lies with the players.

Coach cannot pick up the bat and go out to play: Ravichandran Ashwin

The veteran spinner stressed that several players simply failed to show the responsibility expected at the highest level. He explained that no coach can pick up the bat or ball for the team, and at some point, the players themselves must own their performance.

Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube channel ‘Ash Ki Baat’: “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. 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. He can only do his job, talk to the players—that’s all.”

The former Indian spinner continued, “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. As a player, you must control what is in your control. Decision-making lies with the coach and captain—leave that aside.”

Ravichandra Ashwin defends Gautam Gambhir, says players must take responsibility too

Ashwin felt the criticism had become too personal and that the anger was being directed at one man simply because it was the easiest thing to do. He felt this one-sided criticism didn’t make any sense, as he did not see enough effort or responsibility from several players on the field.

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The former Indian all-rounder also explained that better decisions are always possible, but the team can only succeed when the players themselves perform with consistency and skill. Ashwin reiterated that it is unfair to target one person when the entire group has failed, but everyone is making Gambhir an easy scapegoat.

Ashwin also slammed the growing demand to sack Gambhir, warning that firing the coach would not magically fix India’s deep-rooted issues. The former Indian off-spinner has stressed that Gambhir is hurting just as much as the fans are, and throwing him out is not a solution.

Gautam is not my relative: Ravichandran Ashwin

He also insisted that the bigger problem lies in the lack of execution from the players who take the field. The cricket pandit further explained, “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.”

Ashwin signed off by saying, “It might feel nice to get someone sacked, but that’s not how it should be. 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.”