New Delhi, Nov 27 (NationPress) Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has stepped forward to support head coach Gautam Gambhir in light of the significant backlash concerning his tactics and game plan after India faced a 0-2 Test series defeat against South Africa at home.

Following the disappointing series, fans and cricket analysts have questioned Gambhir's coaching methods, especially after India encountered their second Test series whitewash in just two years. Throughout the two-match series, the Indian batting lineup struggled, failing to achieve substantial partnerships or individual scores to challenge the reigning World Test Championship holders.

“Why are we doing this? It's a sport. Managing a team isn’t a simple task. And yes, he is feeling the pain too. We must recognize that. It might seem satisfying to demand someone's dismissal, but that's not the solution,” Ashwin expressed in his YouTube show, 'Ash ki Baat'.

“I'm not someone who follows trends. It’s not about loyalty; I have no familial ties to Gautam. I could easily point out multiple errors. Sure, mistakes arise, but anyone can make them. The issue is when they carry a hefty cost,” he continued.

Ashwin pointed out India's batting woes during the series, where they failed to score over 201 runs across four innings. He emphasized that a coach's role is primarily focused on strategizing off the field, while the players carry the responsibility on the field.

“We want to allocate responsibility. It's straightforward, especially in Indian cricket, where there's much at stake and substantial financial rewards involved,” he stated.

“Many individuals are eager to take on this role, and there will always be candidates vying for the position. However, the reality is that a coach can't pick up a bat and play the game,” he added.

“What is a coach capable of? I pose a simple question. Imagine yourself in the coach's shoes. You might argue that players require continuity and there’s been excessive rotation, and that’s fair. However, the skill to perform lies with the players,” he reiterated.

The seasoned spinner further urged players to embrace accountability.

“I haven't observed adequate responsibility being taken by players to justify blaming the coach... I didn’t see enough from the players' side to solely attribute the issues to decision-making. Certainly, decision-making can always improve, no doubt,” he concluded.