Sunil Gavaskar backs Gautam Gambhir, questions critics' hypocrisy

Overview

• After India's 0-2 loss in the series against South Africa, Sunil Gavaskar backed Gautam Gambhir
• Amidst criticism of the team's results under his coaching, Gavaskar believed Gambhir's role is only to prepare and guide the players
• The former Indian skipper noted the selective criticism from the fans and experts regarding the Indian Head Coach

After India's 0-2 loss in the series against South Africa, Sunil Gavaskar backed Gautam Gambhir. Amidst criticism of the team's results under his coaching, Gavaskar believed Gambhir's role is only to prepare and guide the players. The former Indian skipper noted the selective criticism from the fans and experts regarding the Indian Head Coach.

Speaking with India Today, Gavaskar felt the role of a coach is only to train and guide the players off the field. He felt the job of the players is to perform and deliver the goods. He then questioned the selective criticism from fans and experts for not giving Gambhir the credit for wins but blaming him for losses.

"A coach can prepare and guide you, but once you step on the ground, it’s the player's job to deliver. If you're not prepared to give him credit for the CT and the Asia Cup win, then please tell me why you want to blame him for the team out there on that 22-yard, not doing well," Gavaskar said.

"Why are you blaming him? Why ask for accountability?" - Sunil Gavaskar questions Gautam Gambhir's critics

The former Indian opener wondered why people are asking Gambhir for accountability when they wanted him to be the coach of the team for a lifetime, when the team won titles under him. The 76-year-old felt the need to have a balanced approach from the fans and critics before praising or criticising an individual.

"Why are you blaming him? Why ask for accountability? Didn't you ask to make him a coach for a lifetime when he won trophies? Then why react now when you're not prepared to give Gambhir credit?" Gavaskar added in his statement, as he questioned the double standards of critics.