New Delhi: Gautam Gambhir should be lauded as much as his methods have been criticised and decisions questioned, says former India opener Navjot Singh Sidhu.
Reportedly, it was Gambhir who pushed the team towards transition that led to retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Shubman Gill was appointed the new skipper, a decision that was met with scepticism.
They trailed 2-1 going into the fifth and final Test of the England series but rallied to pull off a thrilling six-run victory at the Oval to square the series 2-2.
“We do a lot of hero-worshipping. I want to say that whenever India plays even a little badly, anyone and everyone climbs on Gautam Gambhir and blames him. Will you stand up and greet him today?” Sidhu said on his YouTube channel.
The omission of left arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav from each of the five matches raised a lot of eyebrows as experts thought India missed out on a genuine wicket-taking bowler.
But the outspoken coach was adamant on having more batting options lower down the order and has been criticised for his way of functioning and insistence on more opportunities for younger players.
“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,” Sindhu said.
“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.”
Under pressure
Gambhir was under pressure before the England series as India had suffered an unprecedented Test series whitewash at home to New Zealand and a 3-1 loss in Australia but backed the youngsters to excel in high-profile matches.
“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,” Sidhu added.
“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.”