This outcome prevented India from suffering a third consecutive Test series defeat under Gambhir.
Former cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu lauded India head coach Gautam Gambhir for his steadfastness during the recently-concluded England Test tour and asked his critics if they would now praise him for a commendable 2-2 draw.
When the Shubman Gill-led side landed in England, no one gave the tourists a chance following the retirements of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin from the longest format.
However, the team in transition proved everyone wrong as they gave the hosts a run of their money in all five Test matches.
Reflecting on the outcome, achieved through a thrilling victory in the series-decider at the Oval, Sidhu remarked that Gambhir also deserves credit for the team’s success.
“We do a lot of hero-worshipping. I want to say that whenever India plays even a little badly, anyone and everyone climbs on Gautam Gambhir and blames him. Will you stand up and greet him today?" Sidhu was quoted as saying on his YouTube channel.
Sidhu suggested that while playing wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav might have been beneficial, he credited Gambhir for persisting with his approach despite scrutiny.
“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 criticised so much, today give him the due that he deserves."
Sidhu added: “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."
This outcome gave a much-needed breathing space to Gautam Gambhir, who was under-fire for India’s dismal show in the Test format lately.
Under his guidance, India had earlier conceded the away Border-Gavaskar Trophy 3-1 to Australia and also suffered a humiliating 3-0 whitewash to New Zealand at home.