Ajay Jadeja Defends Gautam Gambhir’s Coaching: ‘Unfair to Judge Him Yet

Published On: November 30, 2024 5:52 pm

Thus far, Gautam Gambhir’s time as head coach of Team India has been very turbulent. Many people questioned the former India opener’s choice as the all-format coach following the series defeat at home to New Zealand. But after India stunned Australia by 295 runs in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the commotion has subsided a little.

Ajay Jadeja, a former middle-order batsman for India, has suddenly rushed to Gambhir’s aid, claiming that it is “unfair” to criticize him because he only accepted the coaching position this year and that he deserves some time.

“I believe you are treating him unfairly… People would be judged too quickly if you start criticizing them based on their teaching job or any other way it is perceived,” Ajay Jadeja told the news agency PTI.

“One performance here or there will be enough to persuade anyone if they are not already persuaded of his talent. He said, “I don’t think now is the time to judge him; I think now is the time to enjoy him.”

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Following India’s victory in the T20 World Cup, Rahul Dravid was replaced as head coach by Gautam Gambhir. After 27 years, India lost an ODI series to Sri Lanka under the 2011 World Cup champion. New Zealand then thrashed Rohit Sharma and company in the three-match Test series at home.
“Avoid judging Gambhir.”

Ajay Jadeja said that since Gambhir has just been in the crucial position for six months, he won’t be passing judgment on him.

“There will be periods, and you will win and lose at different times. In six months, I won’t start passing judgment on him (Gambhir),” Jadeja declared.

“You were aware of what you were receiving and what you were requesting. Throughout his life, he has demonstrated that he is a very straightforward individual. Therefore, what you are witnessing right now is what everyone anticipated he would do,” he continued.

Returning to the current Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India defeated Australia by 295 runs at the Optus Stadium in Perth, taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Given that the visitors were without their captain, Rohit Sharma, and their third batsman, Shubman Gill, this victory was all the more impressive.

With eight wickets overall, including a fifer in the first innings, stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah led from the front. The second Test, which will be played under lights in Adelaide, will now feature Rohit.

The return of Rohit Sharma to the team would undoubtedly increase India’s self-confidence. He is a leader; he stood up there as the team’s leader when things were tough and they were losing, and he will be there again as the team is winning,” Jadeja added.