Former Indian batter Suresh Raina has come out in support of national head coach Gautam Gambhir, who has been under the pump for India’s performance in recent Tests. Raina said that the team's poor performance in home matches cannot be blamed on the coaching staff, and said that players must take responsibility for the results.
India were whitewashed 0-3 at home to New Zealand last year, and are staring at another series defeat on home soil against South Africa, having already lost the first match of the two-Test series. India also lost 1-3 to Australia Down Under.
"Gauti bhaiya (Gautam Gambhir) has worked incredibly hard and is not to blame at all," Raina told 'PTI Videos'. "Players need to work hard and perform well. Under his leadership, we have achieved great success in white-ball cricket, winning the ICC Champions Trophy and Asia Cup earlier this year in Dubai.
VIDEO | Former India batter Suresh Raina (@ImRaina) on the sidelines of the Indian Softball Cricket League’s jersey launch has firmly backed cricket team's head coach Gautam Gambhir, saying the team’s recent inconsistencies cannot be attributed to the support staff and that it is… pic.twitter.com/1z7ssdZ8E5
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 25, 2025
"Players must score runs; a coach can only guide, advise, and support them" he added.
Raina also dismissed suggestions that Gambhir's position as head coach is at risk because of the team's recent poor Test record at home. "If players are facing any issues, they should communicate them to the coach. When players perform well, the coach receives praise. But if the team isn't doing well, it doesn't mean the coach should be removed from his role."
"I've played with Gautam bhaiya; he has a deep love for the Indian cricket team and the sport. We won the World Cup together. He has served the country exceptionally well, and now it's up to the players to perform."
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Regarding concerns about India's team selection in the ongoing series, Raina said that strong performances in domestic cricket should be the main selection criterion.
"Players should consistently play and perform well in domestic cricket," he said. "If they do well there, it will naturally show in their international performances."
He also pointed out the difficulties in modern cricket, such as playing three different formats and a busy schedule, which can impact player performance.
"Also, series planning could be improved," Raina added. "Players have to quickly switch between white-ball and red-ball cricket, which means they have less time to adapt. Players also need to improve their focus and effort during matches; I hope these points are being observed."
