Media365
NEW DELHI: Former India opener Navjot Singh Sidhu on Wednesday praised head coach Gautam Gambhir for showing conviction and belief during India’s hard-fought Test series in England, and questioned his critics, asking if they would now “stand up and greet him” after the 2-2 draw. India, touring without recently retired legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, produced spirited performances across five closely-contested matches to hold England to a commendable draw on their home turf.Reflecting on the series outcome, sealed with a memorable win in the final Test at The Oval, Sidhu said Gambhir deserves credit for India’s success.“We do a lot of hero-worshipping. I want to say that whenever India plays even a little badly, anyone and everyone climbs on Gautam Gambhir and blames him. Will you stand up and greet him today?” Sidhu asked on his YouTube channel.He acknowledged that playing wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav might have yielded results, but applauded Gambhir for sticking to his methods and backing emerging talent.“It was Gautam Gambhir who insisted on this transition, who gave opportunities to guys like Akash Deep and Washington. Yes, Kuldeep was maybe a better option. But he had conviction. There will be scope for improvement today and tomorrow as well. But for someone who has been questioned and criticised so much, today give him the due that he deserves.”Sidhu added: “There were many unknowns when the team went who had not made their name. Gambhir had told three to four big names are missing from the team but think of it as an opportunity for others to establish themselves.
“His words have proven to be true. Be it Brisbane, Perth, or England, history has been scripted by youngsters and it is a big thing.”Gambhir had entered the England tour under considerable pressure, following a historic Test series whitewash at home to New Zealand and disappointing results in Australia. Sidhu recalled how Gambhir had urged his players to treat the tour as a major opportunity to make their mark.
