Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has come out in support of Gautam Gambhir after India’s heavy 0-2 Test series defeat against South Africa. He pointed out that too much blame is being placed on head coach Gautam Gambhir while players get a free pass.
Uthappa, who played with Gautam Gambhir for both India and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL, said it was easier to blame the coach than to look at the real problems of the Indian Test team. India have struggled in Tests since Gambhir took over as head coach in mid-2024.
Robin Uthappa slams Gautam Gambhir’s one-sided criticism after South Africa debacle
They were whitewashed 0-3 by New Zealand last year, then lost 0-2 to South Africa. In Guwahati, South Africa batted first and scored 489. India managed only 201 in the first innings. South Africa then declared a score of 260 for 5 in their second innings, setting India a huge target of 549.
Your daily dose of cricket!
Also Read: BCCI announces new series with Sri Lanka after India abandons Bangladesh
The Indian batters could not handle the pressure and were all out for 160 runs. After the 408-run defeat, Gautam Gambhir received massive backlash from all quarters. However, Sunil Gavaskar strongly defended the head coach and Uthappa praised the former Indian captain for standing up for Gambhir.
Robin Uthappa said on his YouTube show with Jarrod Kimber: “I liked what Sunny Gavaskar said. Sunny G said you can claim his head if you ask for his extension after the Champions Trophy triumph or the Asia Cup. People need someone to blame that on.”
Robin Uthappa questions India’s testing approach amid growing criticism
The 2007 T20 World Cup winner admitted that some criticisms, such as instability in batting orders and choosing all-rounders over specialist batsmen, are valid, but it is unfair to focus solely on the coach. The real problems go beyond one person and India will need to resolve them to improve in Test cricket.
Uthappa further explained, “Yes, there have been a lot of things said, and I understand where it is coming from. People are saying that there is no stable batting order, that there are too many changes and that there are fewer specialists and more all-rounders in the team. These are all very valid points.
I think we need to review the way Test cricket is approached. It’s certainly valid. There are grievances regarding his coaching style. The good thing is that a lot of what Gauti does works in white-ball cricket. But will this necessarily work in red-ball cricket? Not always.
Also Read: BCCI angered by Gautam Gambhir’s noisy nature and strict action in prospect
Robin Uthappa criticizes Indian batters for avoiding responsibility in Tests
The former Indian batter also stressed that Indian batters need to take more responsibility in Test cricket. He stressed that hitters need to learn how to defend themselves, string together innings and play according to the situation instead of just trying to hit big shots.
He concluded by saying: “I definitely think you need specialists there. But one thing we all miss is the fact that no one really talks about the players and the ownership they should take.”
“Everyone is attacking the coach, his and India’s record last year. Many valid points have been made about his coaching style and the discrepancies that exist at this stage.”
