Sunil Gavaskar Backs Gautam Gambhir, Shreyas Iyer Amid Growing Criticism After India's Humiliating Defeat vs Ireland

Cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar urged fans not to judge head coach Gautam Gambhir and newly appointed T20I captain Shreyas Iyer too quickly after India’s disappointing start under the new leadership.

India suffered a 2-0 series defeat against Ireland, their first-ever T20I series loss to the Irish side. After India's defeat, Gambhir and Iyer are facing a lot of criticism, but Gavaskar believes they deserve time before being judged.

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Gavaskar Asks Fans to Give the New Leadership Time

Speaking during an interaction organised by Sony Sports, Gavaskar said it is natural for a new coach and captain to need time to settle into their roles. He added that understanding the players and support staff is a process that cannot happen overnight.

“With any new relationship, there will always be just a little time taken for both to understand the support staff and the playing staff to understand what is expected of them. It will probably take a little (more) time, and so we just have to be a little patient with that,” Gavaskar told reporters in an interaction organised by Sony Sports.

Gavaskar Says International Cricket Is a Different Challenge

Gavaskar pointed out that Shreyas Iyer has already proved himself as a successful captain in T20 cricket. He has led IPL teams to finals and won titles, but the former India captain said international cricket brings a completely different level of pressure.

“Shreyas Iyer’s leadership has been proven over the years in the T20 format. We have seen him win trophies and get teams into the knockouts and finals. But again, when it comes to international cricket, it is a whole different ball game. We see that where the individuals are brilliant at say, the Ranji Trophy level or the First-Class level, but somehow find that step up to the international level just a little bit tough to contend with,” Gavaskar said.

“We just have to wait and see as far as Shreyas Iyer is concerned; this was just the first two games. Yes, it is a loss (against Ireland) which is hard to take. But let’s be a little patient and see how it goes in the next five games in England,” he added.

England Series Offers India a Fresh Chance

The Shreyas Iyer-led side will now look to bounce back in the upcoming five-match T20I series against England, which starts on July 1. The upcoming series against England will be another opportunity for Gambhir and Iyer to settle into their new roles and help the team return to winning ways after the setback against Ireland.