India head coach Gautam Gambhir shared a strong response to the criticism that he has faced in recent months in a reply to a social media post by Congress Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor. He also addressed rumours of there being a rift within the team between him and senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
Gambhir has previously been targeted for the Test retirements of both Rohit and Virat. This has led to sharp criticism against him. Another reason why he had previously come under criticism was for backing Harshit Rana despite his poor run of form. However, this decision has benefitted Team India in the longer run and Harshit has now started to feature regularly for them in white-ball cricket.
Tharoor's comment about Gambhir
Earlier, Tharoor had said that Gambhir has the "hardest job" in India after the Prime Minister, adding how the latter is being doubted by many but still remains calm and composed. The two had met for the series opener between India and New Zealand in Nagpur where the hosts had comprehensively won by 48 runs.
"In Nagpur, enjoyed a good &frank discussion with my old friend @GautamGambhir, the man with the hardest job in India after the PM’s! He is being second-guessed by millions daily but stays calm &walks on undaunted. A word of appreciation for his quiet determination and able leadership. Wishing him all success — starting today!" Tharoor said in the post.
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In reply, Gambhir said that the truth about his "unlimited authority" would soon be out in the open, adding that he has been "pitted" against his own.
"Thanks a lot Dr @ShashiTharoor! When the dust settles, truth & logic about a coach’s supposedly “unlimited authority” will become clear. Till then I’m amused at being pitted against my own who are the very best!," Gambhir wrote on X.
India take vital lead against NZ
Meanwhile, India have taken a 1-0 lead in the ongoing five-match T20I series against New Zealand. They won the first game comfortably and will be looking to continue their form in the second T20I that will be played on January 23 in Raipur.