What can a coach do? Ashwin comes to Gambhir's defence amid mounting criticism
New Delhi (PTI): Former off-spinner R Ashwin has defended under-fire India head coach Gautam Gambhir after the 0-2 home Test series loss to South Africa, saying it is not right to call for his sacking at a time when not enough responsibility has been shouldered by the players.
India were outplayed in the series that concluded in Guwahati on Tuesday, going down by a record 408 runs in the second and final Test. A majority of the criticism has been directed towards Gambhir's planning and push for all-rounders in the squad that has affected its balance.
But Ashwin said the former opener, who has a contract till 2027, does not deserve to be removed.
"Why are we doing this? It's a sport. Managing a team cannot be that easy. And yes, he is hurting too. We must understand that. It might feel nice to get someone sacked, but that's not how it should be," Ashwin said in his Youtube show 'Ash ki Baat'.
"I've never been that kind of person. It's not about supporting anyone, Gautam is not my relative. I could also point out 10 mistakes. Yes, mistakes happen, but anybody can make them. It's just that when they cost you, they become very expensive," he added.
Ashwin, who is retired from international cricket as well as the IPL, said he understands the need to pin responsibility given India's formidable home record in the past but it is unfair to only target the coach and not ask questions of the players.
"We want to ask for responsibility. It's easy, because in Indian cricket, you know it and I know it -- there's a lot to gain and a lot of money involved," he said.
"So many people are ready to take the job, and there will always be people putting their hat in the ring. But the fact is, a coach cannot pick up the bat and go out to play.
"What can a coach do? I'm asking you a simple question. Put yourself in the coach's position. You may say a player needs continuity and that there has been a lot of rotation, fine, agreed. But the skill to play and perform is the player's responsibility," he added.
Ashwin urged the players to also take responsibility.
"I haven't seen enough responsibility taken by enough players to say the coach is the problem...I didn't see enough from the players’ side to blame decision-making alone. Sure, decision-making can always be better, no doubt," he said.
"But I personally don't like this individual attack, because we always look for someone to blame," Ashwin added.
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SIT formed to probe second sexual assault case against expelled Cong MLA Mamkootathil
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to probe a second case of sexual assault against expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, police officials said on Friday.
The SIT will be led by G Poonguzhali, Assistant Inspector General at the Police Headquarters.
The team also includes a DSP rank officer and sub-inspectors, officials added.
The second sexual assault complaint was received by the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee, which it forwarded to the state police chief.
ALSO READ: Cong expels rape-accused MLA Mamkootathil from party's primary membership
Following this, the Crime Branch registered a case and launched an investigation.
Crime Branch officials said the email complaint contained only the sender's email ID and no other contact details.
As part of the probe, they have sent a reply email requesting that the complainant contact them and provide her statement.
The complainant has alleged that she was sexually assaulted under the false promise of marriage, a Crime Branch official said.
However, details such as the location and date of the alleged incident are not currently available to the police.
The SIT will attempt to trace the sender of the email and record her statement, which is crucial for further investigation, the officer said.
Mamkootathil was expelled from the Congress party on Thursday after a court here rejected his anticipatory bail petition in another rape case.
Police said he is currently absconding, and a manhunt is underway in Kerala and neighbouring states.
