NEW DELHI, Aug 13: Former India spinner and BJP MP Harbhajan Singh has defended national head coach Gautam Gambhir amid criticism of his coaching style, saying his former teammate is a straightforward and passionate person whose blunt remarks may not always be easy for people to accept.
Speaking in a podcast interview, Harbhajan said he was surprised by the criticism Gambhir has faced, particularly after India’s mixed results across formats.
“Why is Gautam getting so much flak? I have never understood why when a team doesn’t do well, people always tend to blame the coach,” Harbhajan said.
He described Gambhir as a passionate cricketer who has always put the team ahead of himself.
Harbhajan recalled that Gambhir was relatively reserved when he first joined the Indian team and gradually developed a close circle of friends in the dressing room.
“Bohot badhiya banda hai woh. He is very straightforward. For many people, Gautam might say bitter things but what he speaks is the bitter truth,” Harbhajan said.
He added that while Gambhir’s tone could sometimes make him appear difficult, judging him solely on public perception would be unfair.
“Don’t judge a book by its cover. He is a brilliant guy. He has got a good sense of how the game should be played,” Harbhajan said.
According to Harbhajan, Gambhir’s coaching philosophy is centred on playing to win. He said the coach would prefer a team to show the intent to win rather than settle for a draw.
Under Gambhir, India have won the T20 World Cup, Champions Trophy and Asia Cup, although the Test side has suffered heavy defeats against Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, including home-series whitewashes.
Harbhajan also expressed confidence in India’s Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill, calling him an ideal choice to lead the national side.
Although Gill’s team has suffered ODI series defeats against Australia, New Zealand and England, Harbhajan said success in captaincy does not come overnight.
He pointed to India’s 2-2 Test series draw in England last year as evidence of Gill’s leadership abilities and praised his performances with the bat.
“He is a top cricketer and has a great cricket brain. Moreover, he is a fantastic human being and that does matter a lot,” Harbhajan said.
