Watch: “Not that bad side…”- Ravi Shastri thrashes Gautam Gambhir’s coaching for IND vs SA 2nd Test defeat
Watch the video that has gone viral in the social media platforms where the former Indian head coach, Ravi Shastri, was heard thrashing Gauya
Since India’s 0-2 Test series defeat against South Africa at home, India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has been under tremendous pressure. It has been his second red-ball series whitewash in successive years, having already experienced such a feat in 2024 against the New Zealand side when they lost by 2-0.
The former Indian head coach, Ravi Shastri, however, went after the players for their inability to play spin despite growing up in these conditions from childhood. At one point, they were 100/1 before falling to 130/7 during the second Guwahati Test. He reckoned that it would be important for the players to take responsibility.
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“Now you tell me- the scorecard reads 100/1 in the recent Test match that just happened in Guwahati. Suddenly, you become 130/7. This is not a bad team. They have so much talent in them. So, the players will also need to take responsibility. You have been playing spin since your childhood.” Shastri expressed in a podcast.
Watch: Ravi Shastri asks players to take responsibility for IND vs SA Guwahati Test defeat
Shastri shed light on how he would take full accountability for the Test series defeat. Gambhir, during the post-match conference, found himself under the bus regarding the questions on his future as the head coach. He addressed that it would be up to the BCCI, besides noting his success in the position in the last few months.
“I am not saving anyone (regarding whether he was trying to save the current head coach- Gautam Gamhir). If that had happened to me, I would have taken full accountability. But I wouldn’t have left the players in the team meeting.” Shastri added.
“And yes, people can keep forgetting about it. I’m the same guy who got results in England as well, with a young team. And I’m sure you guys will forget very soon, because a lot of people keep talking about New Zealand. And I’m the same guy who won the Champions Trophy and Asia Cup as well. Yes, this is a team that has less experience.” Gambhir said in the press conference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered Ravi Shastri’s criticism?
He slammed the team’s batting collapse from 100/1 to 130/7, calling it unacceptable for a side strong against spin.
Does Shastri blame only the coach?
No, he blamed both players and the coach, saying players must take responsibility for poor batting.
Which tactics of Gambhir were questioned?
Shastri criticized the odd batting order changes and overuse of all-rounders instead of specialist batters.
Why did Shastri say India isn’t “that bad”?
He felt the team has talent but was mismanaged tactically and mentally in the match.
Is this a recurring issue under Gambhir?
Yes, this was India’s second consecutive Test series whitewash under Gambhir’s coaching.
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