Table of Contents
Gautam Gambhir is under heavy pressure after the India National Cricket Team’s shocking 0-2 T20I series defeat against Ireland. The embarrassing series loss was one of the biggest upsets in Indian cricket history because it was the first time India lost to Ireland.
Fans and experts have been questioning the team's performance, the playing XI, and several selection decisions made during the Ireland tour. Amid the growing criticism around Gambhir, former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has come out in the head coach’s support.
Ravichandran Ashwin makes massive statement on Gautam Gambhir
Ravichandran Ashwin believes that Gautam Gambhir is being judged unfairly and that many people fail to understand the way he thinks about the game. He stressed that having a different cricketing opinion should not be treated as a personal issue.
Many believe some players are getting regular chances despite not being so effective. This has led to questions about whether personal choices are influencing selection. However, the former Indian all-rounder has defended Gambhir by stressing that every coach has their own cricketing ideas that should not be seen as personal likes or dislikes.
Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube channel, “When there are talks about Gambhir, sometimes it comes out in a manner where we don't get it in a way that he is trying to say it. I think he is a very misunderstood person. There could be personal things. In India and Indian cricket, it will take us time to realize that a difference in view or point of view does not mean that you don't like the other person. It is okay to disagree. Like, a point of view is very different.”
Ravichandran Ashwin explains Gautam Gambhir's selection strategy
The former off-spinner also shared his thoughts on Gautam Gambhir's team-building style. He said that the current Indian management prefers players who can do more than one job, but he is not fully convinced by this approach in Test cricket.
But when it comes to T20 cricket, Ashwin believes all-rounders give the team much better balance. Also, Ravichandran Ashwin explains why Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should avoid England tour.
Ashwin further explained, “India under Gautam Gambhir values someone who can bat and bowl a bit as well; then you will be in. Sometimes I am not okay with this, that all of this comes into Test cricket as well, which I am not agreeing with. In T20 cricket, if a batter who comes at 6 or 7 can give a bit of bowling as well, it lends a lot of balance to your team. Someone who can consistently finish innings for you at 5, 6, or 7 should be valued and given a slightly longer rope.”
Ashwin highlights India's biggest weakness before the England series
The Men in Blue are set to travel to England next month for the five-match T20I series as well as for three ODIs. Ashwin expects the English conditions to be very different from those in Ireland. He feels India has a weak bowling attack for the England tour, and the lack of spin can create problems for them.
Ashwin signed off by saying, “It all depends on the conditions in England. They do give flat wickets. But if England wants to win, they have to leave some life on the pitch. On pitches of true nature, the Indian batting will dominate. India's bowling is a slight concern. I feel there is a lack of spin in this T20 line-up, which could work against India. But I see the batting really coming through.”
