“I don’t care”: Gautam Gambhir has only one response to critics indulging in Axar Patel vs KL Rahul debate

India head coach Gambhir had a rather blunt response to critics over his decisions following India's victory in Champions Trophy semi-final

India cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir gave it back to his critics with an “I don’t care” response following India’s win against Australia in Champions Trophy semi-final. The former Indian cricketer was criticised for several decisions made by him, including the inclusion of five spinners in the squad and promoting Axar Patel ahead of KL Rahul. With the 4-wicket win against Steve Smith and co, India have now not just made it to the final but have kept their winning streak intact in the tournament.

Gambhir’s “I don’t care” response to critics

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Gambhir responded to a question on what was his response to those who criticised his decisions. He said that he did not care about what they said, adding that his job was to be honest with the Indian population and his team.

“I don’t care about it. I don’t even care about it honestly. My job is to be honest to the 140 crore Indians and my players in the dressing room. I don’t care what people say about it, how they talk about it, whether they have got agendas, whether they have not got agendas. I don’t even care about it. If I’m honest about my job, that is all that matters, and I can sleep in peace,” Gambhir said.

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Speaking about the decision to send Axar Patel to bat ahead of KL Rahul, Gambhir explained that this was how cricket was meant to be played and the team will continue to do so. He confirmed that India will continue to allow Axar to bat at number 5, adding that he had made reasonable amount of contributions since he was promoted up the batting order.

“He (Axar) has made reasonable amount of contributions since he started batting at number 5. And you guys, people can keep talking about it, about making him bat at number 5. But yes, that’s where it is very important, and it is not about individuals. It is about what we want as a team and we’ll continue to do that,” Gambhir explained.