IND vs SA 2025: 'Gautam Gambhir is not at all at fault, players have to do well' - World Cup winner defends India head coach amid severe criticism

Suresh Raina came to the defence of his former teammate, Gautam Gambhir, who has been facing tremendous scrutiny after India's wretched performances in the ongoing Test series against South Africa.

The former India cricketer noted that Gambhir has worked very hard and helped the Men in Blue triumph in important tournaments like the Champions Trophy and the Asia Cup earlier this year. Raina said that the players will have to work hard and fulfil their responsibilities on the field as the coach can

only give them advice and support.

"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 said at the Indian Softball Cricket League’s jersey launch, where he was named the event’s brand ambassador.

“The players have to score, the coach can only guide, advise and give support to the players," the 2011 ODI World Cup winner added.

Under Gambhir's tenure as head coach, India were whitewashed in a three-match Test series at home against New Zealand last year. Now, they are staring at their first-ever Test series defeat at home to South Africa in 25 years.

Raina recalled his experience of playing with Gambhir and said that he has done well for the nation. The cricketer-turned-expert said that the players should communicate with Gambhir about the issues they are facing.

“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 said.

“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 added.