“Gautam Gambhir is not at all at fault” - Suresh Raina backs the Indian head coach amid India’s poor show vs South Africa

Suresh Raina defended Head Coach Gautam Gambhir amid Test criticism, stating, "Gautam Gambhir is not at all at fault." He argued players must take responsibility for poor results, citing Gambhir’s success in white-ball cricket (Champions Trophy/Asia Cup) as proof of his dedication.

26 Nov 2025 13:33 IST

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Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has backed the Indian head coach, Gautam Gambhir, who has been under constant criticism for his selection calls and frequent batting order changes in the longest format of the game.

After suffering a 0-3 Test series defeat to New Zealand at home earlier last year, India is on the verge of suffering yet another Test series loss to South Africa at home. While they suffered a 30-run defeat to SA in the first Test, they are on the verge of losing the second Test as well, in Guwahati.

Speaking exclusively on PTI Videos, Raina asserted that Gambhir has tasted success in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign and Asia Cup 2025, winning titles. However, the former cricketer stated that players have to score, and the coach can only guide, advise, and give support to the players.

"Gauti bhaiya (Gautam Gambhir) has worked really hard, and he is not at all at fault. The players have to work really hard and play well. Under him, we have been doing great in the white-ball format, where we just won the ICC Champions Trophy and Asia Cup in Dubai earlier this year," Raina told 'PTI Videos' on the sidelines of the Indian Softball Cricket League's jersey launch.

"The players have to score, the coach can only guide, advise and give support to the players. If they (the players) are facing any issues, they must be communicating to the coach that this is the issue. If the players do well then the coach will be also applauded. But if the team is not doing well, it should not be that the coach should be sacked from his post," he added.

"I have played with Gautam bhaiya, he loves Indian cricket team, he loves cricket, I have played and won the World Cup with him. So, he has done really well for the country and it is the players' responsibility to do well," he concluded.

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