Sourav Ganguly Defends Coach Gautam Gambhir Amid Criticism

Sourav Ganguly has risen to the defense of Gautam Gambhir's coaching and media conduct amid criticism as India prepares for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with great expectations.

By Palak Pathak Updated: Nov 18, 2024, 09:40 IST

India's head coach Gautam Gambhir is under the radar as his team lost the series against Sri Lanka in ODIs and against New Zealand in Tests. His direct communication style during press conferences has also taken a lot of discussions among the ex-players. But India's ex-skipper Sourav Ganguly responded by asking for time and not to be judged a little early.

Ganguly Defends Gambhir Amid Criticism

Talking about Gambhir, Ganguly said, Gambhir is the most honest person with a direct approach. There are fewer people who can equal former Australian greats such as Ricky Ponting, Steve Waugh, or Matthew Hayden. They are some of the toughest examples of the game. Gambhir's personality hasn't changed at all. His success in IPL or failures now are no different.

All I will say is let him be. When he won the IPL, he was the same. You celebrated him then. Now, after a few losses, you're criticizing him. That's the way he is. And why not? Australians have always played tough cricket; Gambhir is no different. He competes and fights, and we should respect that, Ganguly said.

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Addressing pointed remarks by Gambhir at the media conference, a slight swipe at Ricky Ponting, Ganguly was in defense of his freedom to say what he pleases, Let him say whatever he likes. It helps him. Ultimately, it's about playing the game hard, and that's what he does. This makes the Border-Gavaskar Trophy even more competitive, he said.

Ganguly urged fans and analysts to give Gambhir adequate time in his role, noting that the next nine months, featuring five Test matches in England and the Champions Trophy, will be critical in defining his tenure. You can’t judge someone in two months. He has a tough road ahead. Let’s be patient and see how he performs,Ganguly concluded. For the time being, Ganguly continues to stand by his belief that Gambhir's aggressive attitude should be welcomed rather than condemned.