Gautam Gambhir has come under sharp scrutiny after India’s 0-2 Test series defeat to South Africa in Guwahati on Wednesday, a result that sparked intense debate across the cricketing fraternity. While several analysts and former cricketers questioned his tactical calls and team management, one strong voice stepped forward in his defence — Ravichandran Ashwin.

The former India all-rounder, who played under Gambhir during the Australia tour last year before retiring from international cricket, firmly backed the head coach and shifted the spotlight back onto the players’ accountability. This defeat wasn’t an isolated setback. It marked India’s third whitewash at home, and notably, the second during Gambhir’s tenure — both arriving exactly a year apart.

In November 2024, India endured a shocking 0-3 drubbing at the hands of New Zealand, ending their 12-year unbeaten streak on home soil. Now, 12 months later, they have fallen 0-2 to the reigning World Test champions, raising questions about the team’s diminishing dominance in the longest format.

ALSO READ: “India should play all their matches in neutral venues” – Kris Srikkant

As calls grew louder for Gambhir’s removal and critics dissected every nuance of his strategy, Ashwin offered a contrasting perspective. Speaking on his YouTube channel ‘Ash Ki Baat,’ he argued that a coach’s influence is limited once the players walk out onto the field. According to him, the noise around the coach is a straightforward narrative, but one that often ignores the fundamental truth: only players can execute.

“In Indian cricket, responsibility is a big word. Everyone wants someone to blame because there’s so much attention and so much to gain,” Ravichandran Ashwin said. “But a coach can’t pick up the bat and go out to face the bowling. His job is to prepare, guide, communicate. Beyond that, it’s up to the players.”

Ashwin also addressed concerns around team rotation and continuity, but reiterated that individual skill and temperament cannot be coached into action during a match.

“You may say there’s too much rotation — fine. But performing is the player’s responsibility. Decision-making belongs to the coach and captain, but execution lies with the eleven on the field,” he added.

Using a simple Tamil analogy, Ashwin explained the imbalance in the criticism. “If you have flour, you can make rotis. If you don’t, how can you? I did not see enough from the players to say the coach’s decisions alone cost us. Yes, decision-making can improve, but blaming individuals doesn’t solve anything.”

ALSO READ: Cheteshwar Pujara’s Brother-in-Law Found Dead: Family Shocked After Rajkot Tragedy

Dismissing the idea that sacking Gautam Gambhir would fix India’s problems, Ravichandran Ashwin reminded fans that rebuilding requires patience. “Gautam is hurting too. It’s easy to point fingers, but replacing a coach won’t magically solve deeper issues. Mistakes happen — they only feel bigger when results go against you.”