India head coach Gautam Gambhir has found himself at the centre of sharp criticism after the team’s 30-run defeat to South Africa in the opening Test in Kolkata, a loss that added to the scrutiny already building around the former opener following India’s 3-0 home whitewash against New Zealand last year.

But ahead of the second Test in Guwahati, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak strongly pushed back against what he termed as a narrative unfairly directed at Gambhir, hinting that some of the criticism may be driven by “agendas”.

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Kotak, speaking at the Barsapara Stadium on Thursday, suggested that Gambhir was being disproportionately targeted, while contributions and errors by players or other support staff were being conveniently ignored.

“One thing I have felt is that people a

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