Former Indian cricket team head coach Ravi Shastri has come out in support of current coach Gautam Gambhir following India’s shocking Test series defeat at home against New Zealand. The Kiwis made history by securing their first-ever Test series victory on Indian soil, clinching an unassailable 2-0 lead with a 113-run win in the second Test in Pune.

While Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma faced heavy criticism for the loss, Shastri offered a different perspective. Speaking on JioCinema, Shastri noted that Gambhir is new to the role and needs time to settle into his position as head coach.

“New Zealand have beaten them handsomely in both the Test matches. It’s food for thought. He (Gambhir) has just taken over the job. It’s never easy being the 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.” he added.

New Zealand’s victory marked the first time in 12 years that India had lost a Test series at home. In the second Test, India were bundled out for 156 in the first innings, giving New Zealand a crucial 103-run lead. Spinner Mitchell Santner played a pivotal role, taking seven wickets in the first innings and another six in the second, earning him the Player of the Match award. Despite a promising start in their chase of 359, India suffered a batting collapse, finishing at 245 all out.