Raina backs Gambhir, insisting India’s batting—not coaching—is behind current Test struggles
New Delhi
Former India batter Suresh Raina has thrown his weight behind head coach Gautam Gambhir amid mounting criticism over the team’s poor performances in the ongoing Test series against South Africa. With India staring at a rare home series defeat, Raina insisted that the responsibility lies squarely with the batters, not the coach.
Gambhir has been under scrutiny since India’s 30-run loss in the first Test at Eden Gardens, and pressure intensified after South Africa took firm control of the second Test in Guwahati. The visitors’ dominance has placed India on the brink of their first home Test series defeat to the Proteas since 1999–2000.
Raina, speaking to journalist Abhishek Tripathi, defended Gambhir’s methods. “A coach can only guide. The batsman has to score runs on the field. No fault of the coach,” he said, stressing that international cricket demands tougher preparation from players. His comments came as India’s batting lineup continued to falter, collapsing for 201 in their first innings while South Africa posted a commanding 489.
Gambhir’s tenure has been marked by mixed results. After a strong start with a 2–0 win over Bangladesh at home, India were swept 0–3 in New Zealand, then suffered a 1–3 defeat in Australia. Under new captain Shubman Gill, the team managed a 2–2 draw in England and a 2–0 home win against the West Indies.
South Africa’s authoritative declaration at 260/5 in the second Test set India an improbable 549-run target. While historic chases—such as India’s 406-run triumph over West Indies in 1976 or the 387 they hunted down in Chennai in 2008—offer faint hope, a miracle would be required this time.
For now, Raina’s message is clear: accountability must begin with the batters, not the coach.