Gautam Gambhir, India’s head coach, faces harsh criticism from South African media for his comments dismissing claims of India having an unfair advantage in the Champions Trophy due to scheduling. The criticism suggests that Gambhir’s attitude reflects arrogance and emphasizes the concerns about the implications of a potential victory. The ICC’s role in arranging the matches has also come under scrutiny for favoring India.
Gautam Gambhir, the head coach for India, has recently faced severe criticism from South African media following comments he made in response to suggestions that India’s Champions Trophy match scheduling gives them an unfair advantage. Critics noted that all of India’s matches, due to geopolitical reasons, are being held in Dubai, while other teams must travel within Pakistan and to Dubai for their games. This scheduling has sparked outrage, particularly towards the ICC’s handling of the situation.
Gambhir’s comments during a press conference disparaging critics as “perpetual cribbers” have been labeled as “cringeworthy arrogance” by South African commentators. He asserted that the conditions in Dubai are unfamiliar to the Indian team, making any perceived advantage invalid. Specifically, he remarked, “What undue advantage? We haven’t practised here even for a day. We’re practising at the ICC Academy, and the conditions there and here are 180 degrees different.”
An article on the South African media outlet, iol.co.za, suggested that Gambhir’s remarks reflect a misunderstanding of the situation, noting that the ICC Academy is merely a short distance from Dubai International Stadium. Moreover, Gambhir’s comments regarding Nasser Hussain and Mike Atherton were mentioned as an attack on those who have pointed out India’s advantageous position due to the lack of travel.
As India prepares to face New Zealand in the final on Sunday, the assessment continues that even if India secures another ICC trophy, it may come with the stigma of being a “hollow victory.” The South African media cautioned Gambhir to reflect on this potential emptiness, stating, “When Gambhir raises the trophy towards the Dubai night skyline, he will know deep within himself that there will be a hollowness to it.”
Additionally, a separate article on Business Day critiqued the ICC’s handling of the tournament, alleging favoritism towards India for allowing them to play all their games in Dubai, and asserting that the organization has compromised fairness by accommodating India in such a manner, stating, “ICC bent over backwards to keep the team in the Champions Trophy by allowing it to play all its games in Dubai.”
In summary, Gautam Gambhir’s remarks defending India’s position in the Champions Trophy have drawn significant backlash from South African media, who accuse him of arrogance and highlight the perceived advantage of scheduling. The controversy not only underscores the complexities surrounding the tournament organization amidst geopolitical tensions but also raises questions about the integrity of victory if achieved under such circumstances. As India prepares for the final, the discussions around their advantage continue to swirl, potentially overshadowing their accomplishments in the tournament.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
