Legendary Sunil Gavaskar criticized Gautam Gambhir-led coaching staff after India suffered a six-wicket loss in the fifth Test match at the SCG on Sunday. With this 3-1 series win, Australia regained the Border-Gavaskar trophy after a long decade wait.
Meanwhile, India’s batting woes were palpable throughout the series as the visitors could only breach the 200-run mark on three occasions in nine innings. Barring Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and Nitish Kumar Reddy, Indian batters failed to deliver consistently against Australia.
Gavaskar questioned the supporting staff, stating why they are not seeing any improvement and why the batters are committing the same mistakes over and over again.
Sunny Gavaskar said on Star Sports, “What was your coaching staff doing? The bowling coach, the batting coach, see against New Zealand when we had been bowled for 46, and the way we were defeated in the remaining matches, our batting was not strong enough. Here also our batting was not strong enough, so questions should be asked what have you guys done?
“Why can’t we see any improvement? We understand here the bowling was top class and our batters couldn’t face them, fine. Even the greatest batters have difficulty in facing good bowling. But when good bowling is not happening then tell me what has the coaching staff done? You may ask should we change the batting order, I will ask should we change the coaching staff,” he added.
Gavaskar added that the team must focus on their preparation for the England tour, where they will play five Test matches in June.
“We have 2-3 months before we go to England for a five-match Test series. My focus is not on the Champions Trophy but on the England tour. I will also ask what have you (India coaching staff) done?”
“How do you plan to improve the Indian cricketers? Throw-downs will not get you anything. You had to improve their technique and temperament, which you haven’t done. So make sure that ask questions from the batters who have not made runs, but also ask the coaching staff what have they done?” Gavaskar added.
India will next take on England in three ODIs and five T20Is at home.
