Indian cricket is no stranger to heated debates, especially when the team endures a difficult phase. After India’s 0-2 Test series loss to South Africa, Gautam Gambhir has found himself at the centre of intense scrutiny. The calls for his removal as India’s Test head coach have grown louder, but the criticism has also sparked strong voices of support from within the cricketing fraternity.
One of the latest to defend him is former India batter Robin Uthappa, who played alongside Gautam Gambhir during India’s 2007 T20 World Cup triumph and later at Kolkata Knight Riders.
Robin Uthappa’s stance comes at a time when several fans, experts and even former players like Manoj Tiwary have publicly suggested that the BCCI should consider ending Gautam Gambhir’s tenure. Yet Gambhir is not without backing. Suresh Raina and Sunil Gavaskar have already stepped forward to support the former opener and now Robin Uthappa has added weight to that side of the argument. Drawing from his long association with Gambhir, Uthappa believes the criticism directed solely at the coach is misplaced.
When asked on a recent podcast whether Gautam Gambhir should be sacked, Robin Uthappa dismissed the idea. He explained that a coach cannot be held responsible in a way that suggests he is the one performing on the field. He also pointed out that even someone as respected as Rahul Dravid, with an enormous tally of international runs, had been subjected to trolling and similar demands in the past. To him, this shows that once public frustration begins, no coach is spared from blame, regardless of their background or achievements.
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However, despite Robin Uthappa’s support, India’s Test record under Gautam Gambhir has been troubling. Since his appointment in July 2024, India have played nine home Tests, winning five but losing four, more home defeats than any India coach has ever suffered. Gambhir is also the only Indian head coach to oversee two home-series whitewashes. The away record offers little comfort, with India winning three and losing five out of ten Tests during the same period.
As discussions continue, Gautam Gambhir’s future remains uncertain but Robin Uthappa’s words highlight the need for a balanced view during testing times.
