'I'm here to be honest': Gautam Gambhir unfazed by criticism after India's series loss to New Zealand
Despite the setback, Gambhir is focused on leading the team through challenges and maintaining their pursuit of international success
New Delhi, November 11: Indian cricket head coach Gautam Gambhir has faced significant criticism on social media following India's recent 3-0 series loss to New Zealand. However, the former Indian opener remains unfazed by the backlash, maintaining that his role as head coach demands honesty and resilience.
Addressing the criticism, Gautam Gambhir said, "What difference does social media make in my life, and for anyone's life? When I took up this job, I always knew that it was going to be a highly difficult job and a highly prestigious job as well. I don't think as if I'm feeling the heat because my job is to be absolutely honest."
Gambhir also praised the dedication and resilience of the Indian squad, adding, "There are some incredibly tough people in that dressing room who have achieved great things for the country and will continue to do so. It’s an absolute honour to be coaching them and coaching India."
Despite the setback, Gambhir is focused on leading the team through challenges and maintaining their pursuit of international success. The series loss has complicated India's path to the World Test Championship (WTC) final, now requiring a clean sweep in their upcoming series to secure a spot.
The next Test series kicks off in Perth, followed by a day-night Test at Adelaide Oval from December 6 to 10. Subsequent matches will be played at The Gabba in Brisbane and Melbourne Cricket Ground, culminating with the final Test at Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7.
India's Squad for the Border-Gavaskar Series: Rohit Sharma (c), Jasprit Bumrah (vc), Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammad Shami, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Sarfaraz Khan, Virat Kohli, Prasidh Krishna, Rishabh Pant (wk), KL Rahul, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar.
Australia Squad for the First Test: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Nathan McSweeney, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc.