After India were handed a 0-3 shellacking by New Zealand earlier this month, several former cricketers took to social media to criticise Gautam Gambhir , voicing their frustrations with harsh remarks. However, one notable figure who stood by the head coach was Ravi Shastri . As one of India's most successful coaches, Shastri understands the pressures of the role.
Having served as head coach for seven years, he's no stranger to the hot seat. Interestingly, during India's 2014/15 tour of Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy , Shastri was the Team Director. Nearly a decade later, Shastri has returned to broadcasting, while Gambhir has stepped into the coaching shoes.
Although his tenure is still in its early stages, swords have been drawn. India have been whitewashed twice in the last five months – they lost 0-3 in Sri Lanka in July – placing Gambhir firmly in the firing line. Reports about his future have sparked widespread speculations, but as Gambhir faces the toughest challenge of his coaching career starting Friday, Shastri has put his arms around the former India opener, urging him not to let outside noise dictate terms.
Gambhir has already ruffled up some feathers through his press conference. His remarks that Ricky Ponting has nothing to do with Indian cricket have somehow taken some of the spotlight away from the Indian team. And to have former captains Tim Paine, Michael Clarke and Ponting himself reacting to it has triggered mind games.
Adding fuel to the fire.