Gautam Gambhir has come out swinging against critics after India’s crushing Test series defeat to South Africa, reminding detractors of the success he has already delivered across formats as head coach. The 408-run loss in Guwahati marked his fifth Test defeat at home—the most by any Indian men’s team coach—intensifying the scrutiny on his methods and team selections.

Several former players and analysts have questioned the quality of India’s current Test setup, while others have directly aimed at Gambhir’s tactical approach. One of the significant concerns raised has been the team’s heavy reliance on all-rounders at the expense of established specialists, a strategy that many believe backfired during the 0-2 whitewash against the Proteas.

But legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar has stepped in to defend Gambhir, arguing that a coach can only prepare the side—execution ultimately rests with the players. Speaking on India Today, Gavaskar expressed disbelief at how Gambhir is suddenly becoming the focal point of criticism, even as the same critics had nothing to say during India’s recent triumphs under his leadership.

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“He’s a coach. The coach can prepare a team, but it’s the players who have to perform out there in the middle,” Sunil Gavaskar said. “To those calling for his removal, where were you when India won the Champions Trophy under him? Where were you when India won the Asia Cup T20? Did you then say he should be given a lifetime contract for ODIs and T20Is? You didn’t.”

Gavaskar also dismissed the notion that Gambhir—having achieved quick success in white-ball cricket—should reconsider his role in Test cricket. He pointed to the example of Brendon McCullum, who coaches England across formats, emphasising that many cricketing nations follow a similar structure.

“Several countries have one coach for all formats. The problem is, we only point fingers when the team loses. If you’re not ready to credit him for the Champions Trophy and Asia Cup wins, why blame him now?” Sunil Gavaskar added.

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As pressure builds on India’s Test side after their heaviest home defeat in history, the debate over Gambhir’s methods and team balance is likely to continue. But as Gavaskar notes, accountability must also extend to the players who take the field—and not only to the man in the dressing room.