Follow UsFormer India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has batted in support of both team India head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma, claiming that it would be unfair to pass judgements or jump to conclusions based on one series.
Earlier this month, India slipped to their second consecutive series defeat in Tests and, by doing so, failed to qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final for the first time ever. Since then questions have been raised over the future of both Gambhir and Rohit.
However, Yuvraj stated that fans have to cut some slack for both individuals. "Gautam Gambhir needs to be given more time as he has just come into the system,” Yuvraj said, reported TOI.
“Rohit won us the T20 World Cup, and he was the captain when India reached the World Cup (ODI) final. Mumbai Indians won five IPLs under Rohit's captaincy.”
The former India all-rounder further lauded Rohit’s selflessness for dropping himself mid-way through the Australia Tests due to his own waning form. Rohit opted to ‘step aside’ for the fifth Test in Sydney, allowing Jasprit Bumrah to lead the side in the final game.
“He stepped down in the last Test [of BGT] to give someone else the chance. How many captains have done that in the past?” Yuvraj asked.
“I look at what he has done in the last 3-5 years; one tournament can't decide.”
Yuvraj further asserted that the series loss to New Zealand was more damning than the 3-1 loss in the BGT. The defeat to New Zealand was India’s first Test series loss at home in 12 years and their first 3-0 whitewash at home ever.
“For me, the series defeat at home was more disappointing as India losing 3-0 against New Zealand was tougher,” Yuvraj said.