‘Coaching staff kya kar rahe the?’ - Sunil Gavaskar lambastes Gautam Gambhir’s strategies following BGT defeat

Legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar questioned India head coach Gautam Gambhir and his team of coaches following India's disappointing 1-3 series loss to Australia in the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

The Indian team struggled in Australia, managing only one victory in the five-match series. While the bowlers performed brilliantly at times, the batting unit consistently failed, resulting in a series-clinching defeat in Sydney. Australia chased down a mere target of 162 on the third day, which led to criticism of India's approach from various quarters.

Since taking over as head coach, Gambhir has brought in Abhishek Nayar as the assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate as the assistant coach, and Morne Morkel as the bowling coach. However, Gavaskar believes the coaching staff failed to deliver, and asked questions about their preparedness and impact on the team.

“Aapke coaching staff kya kar rahe the? (What was your coaching staff doing in Australia?) Your bowling coach and your batting coach… your batting coach, in particular, against New Zealand when we were bowled for 46, and the way we were defeated in the remaining matches. Batting main koi dum nahi tha (There was no punch in the batting). Here also our batting was not strong enough, so questions should be asked what have you guys done? Why can’t we see any improvement,” Gavaskar told Star Sports.

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How do you plan to improve the Indian cricketers? - Sunil Gavaskar

He went on to emphasize the coaching staff's responsibility in addressing technical issues within the team. He revealed that the batters didn't perform to the expectations and asked what the coaching staff has done to rectify it.

"We would understand if you say that the (Australian) bowling was top class and our batters couldn’t face them. Even the greatest batters have difficulty in facing good bowling. But when good bowling is not happening then tell me what has the coaching staff done? You may ask if should we change the batting order, I will ask if should we change the coaching staff. We have 2-3 months before going to England," Gavaskar added.

Gavaskar also said there is a need to hold the coaches accountable for the team’s repeated failures against quality opposition, believing a review of their roles to take place before the next challenge in England.

“I will also ask what have you (India coaching staff) done. How do you plan to improve the Indian cricketers? Throw-downs will not get you anything. You had to improve their technique and temperament, which you haven’t done. So make sure that ask questions from the batters who have not made runs, but also ask the coaching staff what have they done?” Gavaskar concluded.