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‘Gambhir’s Arrogance…’: India Coach Slammed By SA Media For 'Perpetual Cribbers' Remark

Aakash Saini

Gautam Gambhir targeted by South African media [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x]Gautam Gambhir targeted by South African media [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x]

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir has been targeted by South African media over the former’s ‘Perpetual Cribbers’ remark. India’s dominant march into the finals of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy ignited claims from rival teams as well as from experts, with several of them questioning the ‘unfair’ scheduling design of the tournament.

Former English cricketers Nasser Hussain, Michael Atherton and Australian Test captain Pat Cummins were among those who believed that Team India is benefitting from the Champions Trophy schedule as they are playing all their matches at the Dubai International Stadium in UAE, without any need of travelling from city to city.

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir launched a fiery rebuttal to such a notion and described all the critics as ‘Perpetual Cribbers’.

South African media cries foul after semifinal defeat

South Africa crashed out of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy race after losing to New Zealand in the semifinals in Lahore. Notably, the Proteas were required to travel throughout their campaign, much like the rest of the competing nations, sans India.

In a report published by South African website iol.co.za, Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir was slammed for his ‘Perpetual Cribbers’ remark while addressing the scheduling critics after India’s semifinal win over Australia. The media website also described Gambhir “arrogant” and claimed that his remarks over the entire situation are “cringe-worthy.”

The website further went on to claim that even if Team India wins the Champions Trophy title in the final, their victory will be nothing but a “hallow” one.

While the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy was originally slated to be hosted in its entirety by Pakistan, the BCCI refused to send the Indian team to its neighboring nation citing security concerns stemming from the geo-political tensions shared between the two countries.

BCCI’s reluctance and concern prompted the ICC and the PCB to co-host the tournament with UAE, with the Dubai International Stadium being granted India’s share of matches. Team India will now face New Zealand in the final on Sunday, March 9.