'Not protecting Gautam Gambhir': Ravi Shastri on India's Test decline
What's the story
Former India coach Ravi Shastri has expressed his disappointment over the team's recent performance in Test cricket. He has called for both players and team management to be responsible for the decline. Shastri, who led India to historic victories during his tenure with Virat Kohli, is particularly disheartened by the team's defeats at home against New Zealand and South Africa.
Performance critique
Shastri questions India's performance in Guwahati Test
Speaking to Prabhat Khabar in a podcast teaser, Shastri expressed his frustration over India's humiliating collapse in the Guwahati Test. He said, "You tell me. What happened in Guwahati - from 100/1, you skip to 130/7? This team is not that bad either. They have this much talent at least." Notably, India suffered a 408-run defeat in Guwahati, their biggest in Test cricket (by runs).
Accountability
Shastri holds Gambhir accountable
Shastri also stressed that players should take some responsibility for their performance on the field. When asked if he was defending head coach Gautam Gambhir, Shastri was clear in his response. He said, "I'm not protecting [him]. One hundred percent, he is responsible too. When am I saying anything otherwise?" After India's series defeat to New Zealand, Gambhir said, "The blame lies with everyone and starts with me."
Legacy
Shastri's tenure set high standards for Indian cricket
Shastri's stint as the Indian head coach was marked by memorable moments, even if it didn't produce an ICC trophy. Under his guidance, India reclaimed the No. 1 spot in Test Rankings after a long gap, thanks to their dominant home record. He also led a young Indian team to two historic Test series wins in Australia - a first for Indian cricket. Kohli's fearless performances were instrumental in these victories.
Journey
Red-ball obstacles under Gambhir
Although India won the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Gambhir's tenure, the red-ball hurdles seem insurmountable at the moment. Gambhir had replaced Rahul Dravid as India's head coach last year. Under the former, India have played 19 Tests across two seasons, losing 10 of those (Draws: 2). Notably, India also suffered two series sweeps at home during this period - first against New Zealand (0-3) in 2024 and now against South Africa (0-2).