Harbhajan Singh Defends Gautam Gambhir Amid Criticism
Harbhajan Singh backs Gautam Gambhir, praising his honesty, determination and commitment while saying that many people simply do not like hearing the truth.
Harbhajan Singh Defends Gautam Gambhir Amid Criticism
Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has come out in support of Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir amid the criticism he has faced since taking charge. Speaking to PTI, Harbhajan praised Gambhir’s determination, honesty and commitment to the team while explaining why his straightforward personality often attracts criticism.
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Gambhir has faced intense scrutiny following disappointing results and has frequently been targeted by fans and former cricketers. Calls for his removal as India’s head coach have also surfaced after some poor performances.
However, Harbhajan believes Gambhir’s personality and approach are often misunderstood. According to him, Gambhir has always been a fiercely determined cricketer who puts the team ahead of himself. While his communication style may appear harsh to some, Harbhajan said Gambhir simply prefers to speak the truth, even when people do not want to hear it.
Harbhajan Singh on Gautam Gambhir
Speaking about Gambhir, Harbhajan said, “When someone becomes a coach, there will naturally be pressure on the coach if the team does not perform well. Gautam Gambhir has always been an extremely determined player. He has always placed the team above himself.”
Harbhajan also spoke about Gambhir’s relationships with his former teammates and said that only a few people truly know him closely.
He recalled that Gambhir was not someone who mixed with a large number of people when he first entered the team, but once he formed friendships, he remained extremely close to those people. Harbhajan specifically mentioned Virender Sehwag, Amit Mishra and Munaf Patel among Gambhir’s close friends.
“Many People Don’t Like Hearing the Truth”
Harbhajan further said that Gambhir is fundamentally a good person and that his blunt way of speaking is often misunderstood.
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He said, “Gautam is a very good person at heart. Many people feel that he speaks harshly, but in reality, he says what is true, and many people do not like hearing the truth. That is why some people consider him a little arrogant. But a person should not be judged only by his outward personality.”
Harbhajan also admitted that he does not know whether Gambhir has changed over the years, but expressed hope that he remains the same person he knew.
Harbhajan Praises Gambhir’s Cricketing Intelligence
Speaking about Gambhir’s understanding of cricket, Harbhajan described him as an extremely intelligent person with an excellent understanding of the game.
He said Gambhir expects players to show the same level of determination as a coach that he himself displayed during his playing career.
According to Harbhajan, Gambhir’s primary objective is always to see his team win. While every coach wants victories, the former India spinner believes Gambhir places particular emphasis on having the right winning mentality.
“The Desire to Win Is Extremely Important”
Harbhajan explained that playing positive cricket and making a genuine attempt to win is more important than simply protecting a result.
He said, “Every coach wants victory, but the important thing is the winning mentality. It is acceptable to lose while playing positive cricket and trying to win. But not trying to win, being satisfied with a draw and lacking the right intent are not acceptable.”
Harbhajan’s comments come amid continued debate over Gambhir’s performance and approach as India’s head coach. His strong backing highlights the difference between Gambhir’s blunt public personality and the way he is viewed by those who have played alongside him.
