Gavaskar Calls for Patience with Gambhir and Iyer After India’s Ireland Defeat

Sunil Gavaskar has asked for calm after India’s defeat in Ireland, saying the new partnership of coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shreyas Iyer deserves more time.

A Difficult Start

Iyer began as India’s T20I captain in the two-match series against Ireland, and India lost both games. It was their first bilateral T20I series loss to Ireland, and criticism has followed.

Gavaskar, speaking at a Sony Sports event, said any new relationship needs time for staff and players to understand what is expected, and that it will probably take a little longer here.

Proven in T20s, Tested at the Top

The former India captain highlighted Iyer’s record in domestic and franchise cricket. Teams under him have reached several Indian Premier League finals, and he led Kolkata Knight Riders to a title. Gavaskar added, though, that international cricket is a different challenge, and that many successful domestic players find the step up hard.

Two Games Are Not Enough

Gavaskar said the verdict should not rest on only two matches. Losing to Ireland is tough to accept, he admitted, but he suggested waiting to see how the next five T20Is against England unfold.

That series gives Gambhir and Iyer another chance to start putting their plans for the team into practice.