Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has strongly backed head coach Gautam Gambhir amid ongoing criticism following India’s commanding 336-run win over England in the second Test at Edgbaston. With the series now level at 1-1, Irfan felt it was time to acknowledge Gambhir’s role in India’s impressive turnaround.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Irfan Pathan questioned the negativity surrounding Gambhir’s leadership, stating that criticism often comes without understanding the bigger picture. “Gautam Gambhir gets a lot of unnecessary hate,” Irfan said. “No coach wants the team to lose. Every decision he makes is with the team’s success in mind.”
Referring to England’s first-innings score of 400, Irfan Pathan pointed out how India avoided a similar collapse to the one in the first Test, thanks to a crucial lower-order partnership.
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“India were six down for 400 too. But then came a 100-plus run stand involving Washington Sundar. If not for that, England would’ve had a real chance. That partnership shifted the game.” Irfan Pathan was particularly impressed with Sundar’s all-round contribution. “His selection worked in both departments. He played a vital role with the bat and also took the important wicket of Ben Stokes when England were trying to build momentum. These contributions often go unnoticed, but they are game-changers.”
He also addressed criticism around the exclusion of Kuldeep Yadav, rejecting the narrative that India lacked a 20-wicket plan without the wrist-spinner.
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“It was said India weren’t thinking about 20 wickets because Kuldeep didn’t play. How can you judge that before a ball is bowled? Sundar is an asset. Just because he didn’t bowl early doesn’t mean he isn’t effective.” Irfan Pathan concluded by urging fans and pundits to withhold judgment until results and performances are visible. “People made up their minds too soon. But in the end, this team showed they are more than capable of taking 20 wickets and dominating a match.”
