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Former India's star batter Navjot Singh Sidhu has voiced his strong support for Gautam Gambhir, especially after India managed to hold England to a 2-2 draw in the recent five-match Test series. Gambhir, who served as head coach, faced heavy scrutiny leading into the series, following consecutive losses to New Zealand and Australia.
Navjot Singh comes to Gautam Gambhir's support
His tactical decisions during the England tour, such as benching Kuldeep Yadav and Arshdeep Singh, also drew criticism. However, the series draw has served as a quiet vindication of his leadership. Sidhu was quick to remind critics of the intense pressure Gambhir was under during India's difficult phase. He urged them to now acknowledge Gambhir's success and give him the respect he has earned through his performance in the challenging series against England.
"We do a lot of hero-worshipping. I want to say that whenever India plays even a little bad, anyone and everyone climbs on Gautam Gambhir and blames him. Will you stand up and greet him today?" Sidhu said on his YouTube channel.
Following the retirements of key players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin, India entered a transitional phase, placing the spotlight squarely on head coach Gautam Gambhir before the England tour. However, Gambhir rose to the occasion by expertly managing a young team under the captaincy of Shubman Gill. His bold decision-making, including the selection of Washington Sundar, proved to be highly successful for the team.
Navjot Singh Sidhu also highlighted Gambhir's strong conviction in his team selections, specifically pointing to his choice to play Sundar ahead of Kuldeep Yadav. This move was a clear example of Gambhir's confidence in his strategy and his ability to trust his instincts, which ultimately paid off.
"It was Gautam Gambhir who insisted on this transition, who gave opportunities to guys like Akash Deep and Washington. Yes, Kuldeep was maybe a better option. But he had conviction. There will be scope for improvement today and tomorrow as well. But for someone who has been questioned and criticised so much, today give him the due that he deserves," Sidhu, who played 51 Tests and 136 Tests for India, added.
Navjot Singh Sidhu also reflected on how Gautam Gambhir had prepared the young Indian team for the tour. He recalled Gambhir encouraging the new players to view the series as a "golden opportunity" to make their mark on the international stage. With several fresh faces stepping up and delivering impactful performances, Sidhu concluded that India's next generation of cricketers had once again "written history," echoing the success of previous young teams in pivotal moments.
"There were many unknowns when the team went who had not made their name. Gambhir had told three to four big names are missing from the team but think of it as an opportunity for others to establish themselves. His words have proven to be true. Be it Brisbane, Perth, or England, history has been scripted by youngsters and it is a big thing," he concluded.
Gambhir's next assignment will be Asia Cup 2025 in September followed by outing against Australia and South Africa respectively.
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