Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has expressed support for current coach Gautam Gambhir despite India’s Test series loss to New Zealand. This marks India’s first home Test series defeat in 12 years.
Shastri emphasized that Gambhir is still in the early stages of his coaching tenure and has ample time to improve. He acknowledged that the Indian batters were outplayed by New Zealand’s spin attack, led by Mitchell Santner, who claimed 13 wickets in the match.
In the first Test, New Zealand posted a competitive 259 thanks to half-centuries from Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra. Washington Sundar then took seven wickets to dismiss the visitors. India, in response, were bowled out for 156, with Santner claiming seven wickets.
In the second innings, New Zealand extended their lead to 358 runs, with Tom Latham scoring 86. India’s chase of 359 began well, but after Yashasvi Jaiswal’s dismissal, the hosts collapsed, losing by 113 runs. Santner once again starred with six wickets, taking his match tally to 13.
Shastri believes that Gambhir will learn from this experience and improve as a coach. He urged patience and support for the new coach.
