‘I have never avoided my responsibilities’ – RCB head coach backs Gautam Gambhir despite backlash

Gautam Gambhir’s tenure as India’s head coach has been anything but normal. From punchy statements to record-breaking victories and defeats, we’ve seen it all. But for most, his time as the man-in-charge should come to an end after South Africa whitewashed India at home earlier in the month.

For all his exploits in white-ball cricket, the Champions Trophy, and the Asia Cup, Gambhir’s tenure as a Test coach has been nothing short of abysmal. While losing away from home to Australia and drawing with England aren’t exactly deal-breakers, two whitewashes at home are.

No coach had suffered a whitewash in a series of at least 3 matches before Gambhir. Not only did he achieve this forgettable feat, but he also doubled it up by losing to South Africa. It’s only natural that people blame him; multiple captains have changed while Gambhir remains the constant.

Flower backs Gambhir

But Andy Flower doesn’t think the burden of blame should be placed on Gambhir only. The current Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) head coach had worked with Gambhir at the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) from 2022 to 2023, when Gambhir was a mentor.

Flower praised Gambhir for his leadership and stated that during their time together at LSG, he never once shied away from taking responsibility. Yes, he deserves scrutiny, but you can’t just blame it all on the coach.

“I have tremendous respect for Gautam Gambhir. I really enjoyed working with him, and I certainly valued our partnership when he was a mentor — quite a forceful mentor — at Lucknow Super Giants. I also enjoyed our interactions when we crossed paths internationally. I respect him a lot as a player and as a leader. I don’t think all responsibility should be placed on one individual, but I know he has never shirked responsibility,” Flower told Times of India.