Ravi Shastri Offers Support to Gambhir Following India’s Series Loss to New Zealand
Shastri acknowledged the challenges faced by Gambhir, who has recently stepped into the coaching role, noting that while it’s early days in his coaching career, the experiences will serve as valuable lessons.
Ravi Shastri, the former head coach of the Indian cricket team, has voiced his support for Gautam Gambhir after India’s disappointing Test series defeat against New Zealand. The second Test, held at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune, saw the Tom Latham-led Kiwis secure a 113-run victory, thus clinching the series 2-0 with one match still to play.
During the commentary following the match, Shastri emphasized the challenges that come with coaching a high-profile team like India. He remarked, “It’s never easy being a coach of a team that has such a big following.” This series loss marks a significant moment, as it is the first time in 12 years that India has lost a home Test series, underscoring the magnitude of the defeat.
India was tasked with chasing a formidable total of 359 runs on Day 3 of the second Test. Yashasvi Jaiswal offered a brief flicker of hope with a rapid 77, but his dismissal effectively ended India’s chances of a successful chase. As the last wicket fell—Ravindra Jadeja's—Shastri reflected on the series outcome, stating, “New Zealand have beaten them (India) handsomely in both Test matches. It's food for thought.”
Shastri acknowledged the challenges faced by Gambhir, who has recently stepped into the coaching role, noting that while it’s early days in his coaching career, the experiences will serve as valuable lessons. He added, “He’ll soon learn,” indicating optimism about Gambhir's potential to adapt and grow in his new position.
This series win is particularly historic for New Zealand, as it marks their first Test series victory in India and their first overseas series win since the inception of the World Test Championship (WTC) in 2019. The outcome highlights the shifting dynamics in international cricket and serves as a reminder of the challenges teams face in high-pressure environments.
As India looks ahead to the final Test, the team and coaching staff will undoubtedly reflect on the lessons learned from this series, aiming to bounce back and regain their footing on home soil.
