Former India cricketer Ravi Shastri believes that Gautam Gambhir has to take responsibility for the side's recent Test series whitewash against South Africa. He was also critical of India's batting performance especially during the second match in Guwahati which saw them end up at 122/7 after being 95/1 at one stage. The Men in Blue eventually went on to lose the match comprehensively by 408 runs and their batters came under immense scrutiny.
Shastri opined that the current team isn't lacking in talent and thus, shouldn't be losing in such poor fashion. He stated that not only the head coach, but the players should also be held responsible for the dismal performance.
“You tell me. What happened in Guwahati – from 100/1, you skip to 130/7 – this team is not that bad either. The team is not that bad; they have enough talent. Therefore, this is where the responsibility must also be taken by the players. You have played spin since childhood,” Shastri said in a podcast released by Prabhat Khabar.
Shastri further went on to say that if he was in Gambhir's shoes, then he would have taken responsibility for the defeat and wouldn't have spared the players during the team meeting.
“I’m not protecting [him]. 100 per cent (he is responsible too). When am I saying anything otherwise? Agar yeh mere saath hota, main pehla responsibility leta (Had this happened with me, I would have been the first one to take responsibility. But then, I wouldn’t have spared the players either in the team meeting)," he added.
India down to 5th on WTC standings
With their 0-2 series defeat at home to South Africa, India slipped down to fifth position on the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. The likes of Australia, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Pakistan are all currently ahead of the Men in Blue on the points table and they are in desperate need of improving their form in the format.
India victorious in ODI series opener
Meanwhile, India came out on top against South Africa in the first ODI of the three-match series. They took a 1-0 lead with the 17-run victory and will have a chance of sealing the series in the second match that will be contested on December 3 in Raipur.