Put yourself in the coach’s position: Ashwin defends under-fire Gambhir

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has come out in support of head coach Gautam Gambhir following widespread criticism of his approach and leadership after India’s 0-2 home Test series defeat to South Africa.

The clean sweep, India’s second in 12 months, prompted fans and former players to question Gambhir’s methods, with the team’s batting failures a major concern. Across the two-match series, India failed to cross 201 in any of their four innings, unable to build substantial partnerships or mount resistance against the World Test Championship holders.

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Addressing the backlash on his YouTube show Ash ki Baat, Ashwin questioned the negativity surrounding the coach.

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

“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,” he added.

Ashwin emphasised that the coach’s influence is limited once the players take the field, stressing that execution remains the players’ responsibility.

“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,” he said.

“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. 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,” he added.

Urging the squad to step up, Ashwin said the criticism of Gambhir was misplaced.

“I haven’t seen enough responsibility taken by enough players to say the coach is the problem… I didn’t see enough from the players’ side to blame decision-making alone. Sure, decision-making can always be better, no doubt,” he said.