IND vs NZ: Rohit Sharma safeguards Gautam Gambhir & Co. following test series loss

Rohit Sharma scored only 91 runs in the three tests against New Zealand.

India captain Rohit Sharma has come out in the defence of head coach Gautam Gambhir as the duo has been facing immense criticism following India’s 0-3 whitewash by New Zealand.

With a 25-run victory in a thrilling test in Mumbai, New Zealand, who had already won the series, handed India their first whitewash in a home test series of three of more games.

Indian batsmen’s struggles against spin has further been exposed during their losses in Pune and Mumbai as Mitchell Santner, Ajaz Patel and Glenn Phillips broke the back of India’s batting to help the Kiwis to their maiden test series triumph on Indian soil.

Gautam Gambhir, who had taken charge as head coach earlier this year and also oversaw an ODI series loss in Sri Lanka where Jeffrey Vandersay outspun the Indian batsmen, is under a lot of scrutiny as India suffered an embarrassing home series loss to New Zealand, who earlier lost 2-0 in Sri Lanka.

Rohit, though, has thrown his weight behind Gambhir and the other coaching staff, saying that the coaches need time and can’t be judged too early in their tenures.

Sharma said in the post-match press conference, “They [coaching staff] have been good. They haven’t got a lot of time. It is the players’ responsibility to help them with results too, to make sure we are aligned with their thought process. Too early to judge anything.“

Rohit Sharma yet to confirm his participation in Perth test

Further, Rohit, who himself had a poor series with the bat, didn’t confirm his participation in the first test against Australia in Perth. In fact, if anything, Rohit’s words hinted as his non-availability for the Perth test. Rohit is likely to miss the first test against Australia due to personal reasons.

“Right now, I am not too sure whether I’ll be going but let’s see. Fingers crossed,” the 37-year-old Indian skipper said.

In case Rohit misses the Perth test, Jasprit Bumrah, who was the vice-captain for the New Zealand series, is likely to lead India.

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