India’s jaw-dropping 0-2 series defeat against South Africa at home has seen their head coach, Gautam Gambhir, being criticized massively under intense scrutiny. This is the second time the home side had been blanked in a red-ball series under Gamhir, following their 0-3 series defeat against New Zealand at home.

Highlighting Ravichandran Ashwin’s YouTube channel, the former SA captain, Ab de Villiers, reckoned that emotions might be at the heart of their current coaching debate. He offered a layered view of the head coach’s balanced concern and perspective.

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“I don't know what GG is like when it comes to leadership. I've known him as an emotional player, and if that is the case in the change room, generally, an emotional coach is not a good thing to have. It's not to say he's that kind of a coach behind the scenes. There's no right and wrong. Some players feel comfortable with a former player, some with someone who's never played but has years of coaching experience.” De Villiers expressed in a YouTube video.

Ab Villiers reflects on Gautam Gambhir’s coach after 0-2 series defeat against South Africa

The remark instantly struck a chord in the cricketing world. Ashwin also shed light on how the players would need to apply themselves in the middle as the batters would be required to bat with the coach, who could only give them various suggestions.

“I absolutely loved playing under Gary Kirsten; he's a former player and similar to Gautam Gambhir. Some players find confidence with a former great being there — someone who inspires you to put in extra yards,” De Villiers noted in the video.

“We want to ask for responsibility. It’s easy, because in Indian cricket, you know it and I know it — there’s a lot to gain and a lot of money involved. So many people are ready to take the job, and there will always be people putting their hat in the ring. But the fact is, a coach cannot pick up the bat and go out to play. He can only do his job, talk to the players — that’s all.” Ashwin also addressed the video.