India head coach Gautam Gambhir and former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar seem to be at a war of words currently. Gambhir, who is enjoying his time off the field at the moment, has criticized the former Indian skipper for making some harsh comments on him.
Gavaskar criticized Gambhir's coaching when India lost back-to-back Test series with New Zealand and Australia. The losses meant that India could not qualify for the WTC final. The Kiwis whitewashed the Men in Blue at home, while the Aussies won the series 3-1.
Gautam Gambhir then came back roaring as he guided the Indian team to their third Champions Trophy title under his coachship. However, even that did not please Gavaskar, as he questioned whether Gambhir would share the prize money with his support staff like Rahul Dravid did after India's T20 World Cup title win.
Also Read: Gautam Gambhir Backed By His KKR Player After Controversial Statement By Manoj Tiwary
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The former southpaw did not hold back and, without naming Gavaskar, took a dig at him for questioning his credibility.
“It’s people’s job to criticise me, and they should criticise. But there are some people who have been sitting in the commentary box for 20-25 years. They questioned everything I did. They think that Indian cricket is their property. Unfortunately, Indian cricket is not someone’s property. It is the identity of 140 crore Indians and it will remain that way. They questioned my coaching, my records, my concussions and even my prize money,” Gambhir said at ABP News ‘India At 2047‘ Summit.
Previously, when India had lost to New Zealand, Gavaskar had questioned the role of the batting coach, fielding coach, and the other support staff within the squad, including Gambhir. India was bowled out for just 46 in the first innings of the Bengaluru Test match against NZ.
“What was the coaching staff doing? Batting coach? Against New Zealand, India were bowled out for 46. In the remaining matches, they were not able to do well, and they lost the series. There was no character in the batting order. In Australia too, India lacked solidity in the batting order,” Sunil Gavaskar told Star Sports.
I Don't Need To Tell This Country Where I Left The Money: Gautam Gambhir
Now, Gambhir has responded to Gavaskar, who had previously questioned whether he would share the prize money of India's Champions Trophy campaign with his support staff, like Dravid did.
“The prize money that I got in the Champions Trophy. I don’t need to tell this country where I left the money and where I invested it. However, this country should know that such people have been working in the country as NRIs for many years. They earn money from the country and take it abroad. I don’t do security checks or immigration at 11:55,” Gambhir said.
“Those who only have to spend 1 day, 180 days. I am an Indian, and I will remain an Indian till my last breath. I will not become an NRI to save tax. People who live in glass houses shouldn’t be throwing stones at other people’s homes.” he concluded, saying.
Gautam Gambhir's Upcoming Challenge
Gautam Gambhir's next challenge as head coach will be the five-match Test series against England in England starting on June 20. The Test series kicks off India's WTC 2025-27 campaign as well. After losses to NZ and Australia, Gambhir would be keen to make a comeback and silence his critics.
