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"What can a coach do?": Ashwin comes to Gambhir's rescue amidst sacking demands

Harsh Adwani

R Ashwin comes to Gautam Gambhir's defence [Source: @muffadal_vohra/x.com]R Ashwin comes to Gautam Gambhir's defence [Source: @muffadal_vohra/x.com]

India’s 2-0 loss to South Africa in their recent Test series is their lowest point in a long time. This is their second whitewash at home in a year. India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has been scrutinised for his shortcomings in the home conditions. He has also been criticised for making too many changes in the team and not letting the players settle in.

While most fans and experts are criticising Gambhir, former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has come to the head coach’s rescue. He believes that while decision-making is in the hands of the coach, execution is in the hands of the players. He added that the players need to take more responsibility for the loss.

"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," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

"What can a coach do? Put yourself in the coach's position. Sure, you may say a player needs continuity, there is insecurity, and that there has been a lot of rotation. Fine, agreed. But to exhibit the skill, to play, perform and exhibit the skills is the player's responsibility. As a player, you must control what is in your control," he added.

Gambhir shouldn’t be personally attacked, believes Ashwin

Adding to it, the former all-rounder said that Gambhir should not be personally attacked. He thinks the head coach is also hurting, and while people might think sacking him would be the right option, it should be about introspection and figuring out where it went wrong.

"I don't like this individual attack. Managing a team cannot be that easy. And yes, he [Gambhir] is also hurting. It might feel nice to get someone's sacking done, 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. Yes, mistakes happen. Yes, I could find mistakes. These mistakes anybody can make. It's just that when they cost you big, you ask about the reason. But generally, let's just ask and introspect: where did we go wrong?” he concluded.

India does not have any Test matches scheduled for a few months now, and they have enough time to introspect and figure out a solution. They would hope to bounce back stronger in their next Test assignment against Sri Lanka in August 2026.