Ravi Shastri Refuses To Shield Gautam Gambhir, Calls For Player Accountability Amid India’s Test Struggles

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has delivered a candid assessment of the current crisis engulfing India’s Test team, bluntly refusing to protect Gautam Gambhir amid harsh criticism. Shastri called for players to take greater responsibility alongside Gambhir, emphasizing that accountability lies with both coach and squad after repeated failures on home soil.

Shastri Criticizes Batting Collapse and Player Responsibility

Highlighting the spectacular batting collapse in Guwahati against South Africa where India slumped from 100/1 to 130/7, Shastri expressed bafflement over the team’s poor technique against spin—an area where players should excel, especially in Indian conditions. “The team is not that bad; they have enough talent. Therefore, this is where responsibility must also be taken by the players. You have played spin since childhood," he remarked during a podcast teaser released by Prabhat Khabar.

Does Not Shield Gambhir, Emphasizes Shared Blame

Asked if he was defending Gambhir, Shastri firmly declined. “I’m not protecting him. 100 percent he is responsible too. If this had happened when I was the coach, I would have taken the first responsibility; I, the coach, would have taken it. But I would not have spared the players inside the team meeting," he said, making it clear that the accountability lies with the entire team ecosystem.

BCCI Meeting and Future Outlook

In light of India’s dismal Test form—winning only one series out of five under Gambhir since succeeding Rahul Dravid—and intensifying concerns, the BCCI has reportedly convened a meeting with Gambhir, selection chief Ajit Agarkar, and top officials to discuss the way forward. Although Gambhir’s position currently remains secure, the board acknowledges that systemic changes are necessary to revive India’s Test fortunes.