India lost the second Test to New Zealand by 113 runs in Pune on Saturday and surrendered an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Gautam Gambhir came under heavy fire from fans after the historic defeat. Former India player and head coach Ravi Shastri backed the current head coach to soon learn from the setbacks in the early phase of his stint at the helm in the national set-up.
Shastri’s comments come after India suffered their first-ever Test series loss at home in 12 years, through a 113-run defeat to New Zealand in the second Test at Pune. Gambhir, who took over as India’s coach from Rahul Dravid in July, also saw the team lose its first bilateral ODI series against Sri Lanka after 27 years in August.
“New Zealand have beaten them (India) handsomely in both the Test matches. It’s food for thought (on series loss). He (Gambhir) has just taken over the job. It’s never easy being coach of a team that has such a big following. It’s still early days in his career as a coach. But he’ll soon learn,” said Shastri when on air in the match at MCA Stadium, Gahunje.
After an eight-wicket loss to New Zealand in the first Test at Bengaluru, the defeat in Pune inside three days meant India’s unbeaten 18-series streak at home was brought to a screeching halt. The last time India lost a Test series at home was in November-December 2012, when they lost to Alastair Cook-led England 2-1.
