New Delhi, Nov 25 (PTI) Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has come forward in support of the national head coach, Gautam Gambhir, who has recently faced criticism due to the team's poor performance in home Tests. According to Raina, the burden of responsibility should lie with the players rather than the coaching staff.
India suffered a shocking whitewash by New Zealand at home last year and now faces potential defeat in the current series against South Africa, having already lost the first of the two-Test matches.
Raina defended Gambhir's efforts, noting the coach's success in guiding the team to victory in the ICC Champions Trophy and the Asia Cup held in Dubai earlier this year. "Gauti bhaiya (Gautam Gambhir) has worked really hard and is not to blame. The players must put in the effort and perform well," Raina remarked to 'PTI Videos' during the Indian Softball Cricket League jersey launch, where he was introduced as the brand ambassador.
Regarding Gambhir's future as head coach, Raina was confident that recent Test failures should not endanger his role. "If players face challenges, they should communicate with the coach. Success and failure in matches should not solely determine the coach's fate," he emphasized.
Raina, who has played alongside Gambhir, highlighted the latter's dedication to Indian cricket and called on players to take responsibility for their performances. "Gautam bhaiya has been a part of the World Cup-winning team. His love for Indian cricket is undeniable," Raina added.
Commenting on team selection for the ongoing series, Raina emphasized the importance of excelling in domestic cricket as a criterion for international selection. "Domestic performance should be the key indicator," he stated.
He also discussed the modern challenges of balancing three cricket formats, which can affect performance due to tight schedules and the need for players to adjust quickly from white-ball to red-ball cricket formats.
Raina expressed excitement for the upcoming ODI series starting on November 30, especially with the return of senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. "Their inclusion will enhance the team's strength and morale," Raina said, also noting the return of Rishabh Pant.
The Indian Softball Cricket League (ISCL) will feature 32 teams, emphasizing the importance of softball cricket in nurturing young talent. Raina mentioned that notable players such as Jasprit Bumrah and Lakshmipathy Balaji had roots in softball cricket, highlighting its role in the development of future stars.
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