Team India succumbed to a 0-2 whitewash in the recent Test series against South Africa at home. This was the second instance in a span of just 12 months that the side ended up being whitewashed in a home Test series.
With head coach Gautam Gambhir at the helm, India have won seven, lost 10 and drew two of their 19 Tests so far, which includes a 0-3 series sweep against New Zealand.
India also conceded the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 1-3 in Australia. The only Test series wins under Gambhir's tenure have come against Bangladesh and the West Indies at home.
After the recent debacle against South Africa, calls for Gambhir’s sacking have grown louder. Amidst heavy scrutiny, the India coach has found backing in Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz.
In an interview with PTI, Gurbaz hailed the former KKR mentor as "best coach" he has played under. He was also left baffled by the kind of criticism thrown at Gambhir in recent weeks.
"If 1.4 billion people are there in your country, you can say 2-3 million will be against him. The rest are with Gautam sir and with India team. It doesn't make sense to talk about them," Gurbaz said.
"He's the best ever coach and human being, mentor that I have had in my career so far. I love the way he goes about things," Gurbaz added.
The Afghanistan opener was quick to highlight the white-ball success Indian team enjoyed under Gambhir's coaching.
"India just won the Champions Trophy in ODI format, Asia Cup in T20 format. They have won a lot of series, so you can't blame them for one series."
According to Gurbaz, Gambhir's biggest strength was the environment he built at KKR of a relaxed, pressure-free and rooted in discipline which allowed the team to flourish.
"I love the way he goes about his job. When you have a good environment, you will be always on the top. He made the environment very easy for us, nothing stressful, nothing strict... and that's why we won the tournament," he said.
"He is not strict but he is disciplined. He is strict only when something goes against discipline."
The Afghan cricketers said Indian cricketers deserve empathy, not harsh criticism when chips are down.
"As a cricketer, I will never blame players because everyone works hard and tries their best. They lost, so what? They are human. Sometimes you lose -- it's part of life. When you are going through bad times, that's when you need support."
Gurbaz called his three-year time with KKR “very exciting”. "Being with KKR for 3 years and then winning the championship was very good."
Released ahead of the upcoming auction by KKR, he is looking forward to the IPL 2026 mini-auction later this month.
"I am in the auction now...will see whoever wants me, where I deserve to go. Looking for a great season ahead."
He added that Delhi Capitals, apart from KKR, is his favourite team as India's national capital is his favourite city. "Delhi feels like home. When I am in Delhi I feel like I am in Afghanistan," said Gurbaz.
He backed India to defend their T20 World Cup title next year even without Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
"India have a lot of players. Virat and Rohit have a specific place in India… it should be forever and we will remember them forever."
Afghanistan face New Zealand, South Africa, Canada and UAE in their group in the tournament beginning on February 7.
"Just looking forward to win the two matches to qualify. We don't target specific teams... Cricket is the only game where any team can beat you. UAE, Canada, New Zealand and South Africa are all the same for us. Cricket can hurt you if you take someone lightly," Gurbaz remarked.
(With PTI Inputs)
