Ravi Shastri Supports Gautam Gambhir After India's Series Defeat to New Zealand

India's recent Test series loss to New Zealand, former head coach Ravi Shastri voiced his support for current coach Gautam Gambhir. This series marks India's first home Test series defeat in 12 years, with Rohit Sharma at the helm. Shastri emphasized that Gambhir, who is still in the early stages of his coaching career, has time to learn and grow in the role.

New Zealand's impressive performance, led by their spin attack spearheaded by Mitchell Santner, saw India bowled out for just 156 runs in their first innings, chasing a target of 259. Shastri acknowledged the heavy defeat, stating, “New Zealand have beaten them handsomely in both the Test matches. It's food for thought (on series loss). He (Gambhir) has just taken over the job... It is still early days in his career as a coach. But he'll soon learn.”

In the second Test in Pune, New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first. Half-centuries from Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra helped New Zealand secure a strong position, finishing their first innings at 259 all out. India struggled in response, with their batting lineup faltering against the Kiwi spinners, particularly Santner, who claimed seven wickets in the innings.

In New Zealand's second innings, skipper Tom Latham's 86 and contributions from Glenn Phillips and Tom Blundell extended their lead to 358 runs before they were bowled out for 255. India started their chase promisingly, but after a strong innings from Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored 77, they collapsed to be all out for 245, losing the match by 113 runs.

With Santner's match-winning performance (13 wickets in total), New Zealand secured a historic series win, leaving India to regroup ahead of the third Test at Wankhede Stadium, where they will aim to salvage some pride in the series.