Suresh Raina passes spine chilling verdict on Gautam Gambhir's future before India vs Australia Tests

Gautam Gambhir has found himself under the intense scrutiny of Indian cricket fans after the national team's sudden dip in performance, starting with an unexpected 0-2 ODI series loss against Sri Lanka in July this year after succeeding Rahul Dravid.

India’s bounce-back victories over Bangladesh softened the criticism a bit, but a humiliating whitewash in a three-match Test series against New Zealand at home has reignited the frustration, with fans blaming Gambhir for the team’s unexpected declining form.

Gautam Gambhir faces heat after India's whitewash against New Zealand

Gautam Gambhir’s success with IPL franchises like Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) had boosted his reputation as a mentor, but fans haven’t held back in their reactions after the Indian cricket team was handed a whitewash by New Zealand in a home Test series.

Read Also: IND vs AUS: Sunil Gavaskar and Sanjay Manjrekar predict the Border-Gavaskar Trophy final scoreline

The backlash is particularly fierce, with the Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir, captain Rohit Sharma, and the team facing relentless trolling online, but many felt blaming only the former opener is unfair.

Gambhir may be facing the heat, with many raising questions about his performance just months into his role as India's head coach, but Suresh Raina has full confidence in his former Indian teammate.

Suresh Raina comes out in support of Gautam Gambhir amid criticism over India's declining form

Well, it is natural that fans will react angrily after such a loss, but it is too early to judge Gambhir just after a few series, and the former Indian batter noted that the new coach has always remained focused on his responsibilities, even under pressure, and doesn’t pay any heed to his critics.

Suresh Raina further pointed out that Suresh Raina brings a wealth of experience as both a player and a leader to the Indian cricket team. He mentioned that Gambhir won two IPL titles with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as captain and played key roles in India’s 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup victories, which makes him the most experienced Indian coach.

Read Also: Ricky Ponting gets belt treatment from fellow Australian after Gautam Gambhir outburst on Virat Kohli

Suresh Raina admitted that the criticism is obvious, but he is a good leader and coach, and his track record could be an asset to navigate the challenges ahead and strive to steer the Indian cricket team back to form. Notably, Gautam Gambhir is currently gearing up for a much-awaited Test series in Australia.

Gambhir didn't pay much attention to media or public scrutiny: Suresh Raina

Suresh Raina was quoted as saying in Times of India: “I think Gauti Bhai was such a player and (now) a coach that even when he used to play, he didn't pay much attention (to media/public scrutiny). But you know that when you lose, then there will be comments made about the coach.

But I think he is a good leader and coach. If you look at his record as a player, he won the Indian Premier League (twice) with Kolkata Knight Riders. As a player, he won the World Cup in 2007 (T20) and 2011 (ODI). I don't think any Indian coach will have more experience (as a player) than him.”

Notably, the first Test of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 will get underway in November in Perth, and Raina feels Akash Deep will be key for India in Australia.