ENG vs IND 2025: 'Everyone climbs on Gautam Gambhir' - Navjot Singh Sidhu slams India coach's doubters after thrilling Oval triumph
"It was Gautam Gambhir who insisted on this transition, who gave opportunities to guys like Akash Deep and Washington," Navjot Singh Sidhu said.
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Navjot Singh Sidhu urged the cricket fraternity to applaud head coach Gautam Gambhir for his decisions after India won the fifth and final Test match at The Oval this week to square the high-voltage series against England.
The former India opener stated that Gambhir draws a lot of criticism when results don't go in India's favour. Sidhu feels that the naysayers should not shy away from lauding Gambhir after India's commendable performance against the Three Lions.
"We do a lot of hero-worshipping. I want to say that whenever India plays even a little bad, anyone and everyone climbs on Gautam Gambhir and blames him. Will you stand up and greet him today?" Sidhu questioned while talking on his YouTube channel.
Sidhu praised Gambhir for giving opportunities to the likes of Akash Deep and Washington Sundar. The cricketer-turned-commentator said that Kuldeep Yadav could have been the better option to play in the United Kingdom but appreciated Gambhir for backing his conviction.
"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. There will be scope for improvement today and tomorrow as well. But for someone who has been questioned and criticized so much, today give him the due that he deserves," he added.
Be it Brisbane, Perth, or England, history has been scripted by youngsters: Sidhu
Ahead of the series, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma announced their retirements from the longest format. Some reports suggested that Gambhir had a role to play behind their decision. Sidhu lauded Gambhir for keeping faith in the youngsters in the team, who repaid him commendably.
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"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. 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," he remarked.
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