"What difference does it make in my life": Gautam Gambhir shares a blunt take against criticism

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir addressed the media ahead of the team’s departure for the Border Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. The interaction was the first for Gambhir after India’s humbling defeat against New Zealand at home. The team’s performance touched an unprecedented low as India suffered its first-ever 0-3 whitewash in the format on home turf. Moreover, the series defeat against the Kiwis broke India’s long-standing record of remaining unbeaten in their backyard for the last 12 years. The loss didn’t sit well with the fraternity and fans, as Gautam Gambhir and senior players like skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were criticised heavily. However, in his latest statement, the Indian head coach expressed that the side has not taken a toll from the past defeat and is focused on extracting a favourable result in the BGT down under.

From successfully defending their fortress at home for the last decade to enduring their first-ever whitewash, something has definitely changed for India lately. The form of senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli has been subpar recently. While Sharma registered some notable knocks at the start of the year against England, his sporadic outings have not left a significant impact. Moreover, India’s chances fumbled when the Test heroes of the team at home, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, failed to match their earlier heroics. However, amidst a number of falters that India displayed against the Kiwis, all of it was linked to Gautam Gambhir, who took over the role of the team’s head coach in July this year.

Gautam Gambhir unfazed by criticism following series whitewash against New Zealand

Several of Gambhir’s decisions, like demanding a rank turner against the Kiwis, fell prey to public ire. Moreover, the free hand presented to the former cricketer over selection calls, a privilege not available to Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid when they held the position, was questioned. Amidst the amplified hue and cry on social media, with netizens ripping Kohli, Sharma, and Gambhir apart, a recent report suggested that the result in the upcoming BGT will decide the future of the trio. The update explained that if India fails to win the BGT and claim a spot in the WTC Final, senior players will be phased out of the format by the board. Moreover, regarding Gambhir, it was reported that the coach could be relieved of his duties in red-ball cricket.

However, known for his blunt takes and upfront counters to criticism, Gambhir, in his latest statement, expressed that the uproar against the players has not impacted the team’s proceedings. The former player went on to say that he is not facing any heat and that the players in the dressing room have paid no heed to social media chatter.

"What difference does it make in my life and for anyone's life?" Gambhir said on the social media criticism. "When I took up this job, I always thought that it's going to be a highly difficult job and a highly prestigious job as well. Honestly, I don't think as if I'm feeling the heat because my job is to be absolutely honest and there are some incredibly tough people in that dressing room who have achieved some great things for the country and will continue to achieve some great things for the country. So it's an absolute honour to be coaching them and coaching India,” Gambhir further noted.

While Gautam Gambhir remained staunch in his defence, the head coach accepted that New Zealand ‘outplayed’ India in the home Test series. Gambhir, moreover, said that the group is mindful of the criticism and is taking it in a positive stride. However, India is looking forward to the Australia tour now, moving on from their success against Bangladesh and the subsequent setback against the Kiwis.

"Obviously, the learnings are that we accept that we were outplayed. I'm not going to sit here and defend. I think we were outplayed in all the three departments. They were more professional, and we accept that. And I think the criticism we are receiving, I think we take it with both hands. And we keep moving forward, keep getting better every day,” Gambhir expressed.

“Three Test matches before, we had an incredible Test match in Kanpur as well. I know that we haven't played our best cricket, but it doesn't change anything. Australia is a new series; Australia is a new opponent. And we go out there thinking that we're going to definitely try and win the series,” he explained further.

The Border Gavaskar Trophy is slated to commence on November 22 in Perth. India’s squad for the series has named 16 players, with youngsters like Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy earning a place. With a cloud of uncertainty hanging over the participation of skipper Rohit Sharma in the opening clash of the five-match series, pacer Jasprit Bumrah is likely to claim the captaincy for the Perth Test.