"Everyone climbs on Gautam Gambhir and blames him" - Former India opener's huge remark after thrilling win in ENG vs IND 2025 5th Test

Former India opener Navjot Singh Sidhu lauded head coach Gautam Gambhir after the team's stunning victory against England in the Oval Test. With the win, the visitors leveled the recently concluded five-match series 2-2.

A young Indian team with a new captain and several big names missing played to their potential and managed to draw level against England. Sidhu opined that some would wait for the team to lose to blame Gambhir, but questioned whether the same people would stand up and greet him after the series result.

"We do a lot of hero-worshipping. I want to say that whenever India plays even a little bad, anyone and everyone climbs on Gautam Gambhir and blames him. Will you stand up and greet him today?" he questioned on his YouTube channel. (15:14)

Further, he reflected that it was Gambhir who insisted on the transition and credited him for giving opportunities to youngsters. He also remarked that the head coach must get the due he deserves after having faced a lot of criticism.

"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 criticized so much, today give him the due that he deserves," he added.

It was a redemption of sorts for Gambhir, under whom India had lost 0-3 to New Zealand at home and 1-3 to Australia Down Under before the England series.

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Gautam Gambhir's words proved to be true, reckons Navjot Singh Sidhu

Ahead of the series, Gautam Gambhir, during the pre-tour press conference, had stated that the absence of seniors in the team was an opportunity for others to step up.

The likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin, who retired from Test cricket recently, were all missing. However, Navjot Singh Sidhu recalled Gambhir's statement and highlighted how it proved to be true after the series.

"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," he remarked. (0:34)

The former cricketer added that a new era of Indian cricket had started through this series. Sidhu further opined that the transition was complete as the Indian team emerged as an established side in England.