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India's recent Test series defeat to New Zealand has sparked debate and criticism, with many pointing to tactical errors made by the team. However, former coach Ravi Shastri has come out in support of current head coach Gautam Gambhir, emphasizing that Gambhir will learn from his mistakes. This defeat marked India's first Test series loss at home since 2012, adding fuel to the fire of scrutiny directed at both Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma.
The series defeat, a significant blow to India's cricketing pride, has ignited conversations about the effectiveness of Gambhir's leadership. Shastri, known for his unwavering support of Indian cricket, has acknowledged the difficulties faced by Gambhir, emphasizing that coaching a team with India's immense fan base comes with immense pressure. He underscores the early stages of Gambhir's coaching career, suggesting that experience and time are crucial for growth and development.
Gambhir, a former Indian captain, assumed the coaching position in July, replacing Rahul Dravid. His first assignment was India's tour of Sri Lanka, where the team faced mixed results. While India dominated the T20I series with a clean sweep, Sri Lanka clinched a historic ODI series victory, their first against India in 27 years. The New Zealand series further highlighted the challenges Gambhir faces as coach, prompting discussions about his ability to adapt to the nuances of leading the Indian team on the international stage.