Highlights:
- Gambhir says BCCI will decide his future after a 2-0 loss to South Africa.
- Reminds critics of Champions Trophy win and 2-2 England Test series draw.
- Accepts responsibility for India’s collapse and overall poor performance.
- Faces criticism for over-reliance on all-rounders and frequent team changes.
- Says Test cricket needs “tough characters” rather than flamboyant players.
India head coach Gautam Gambhir, facing intense criticism after the team’s comprehensive Test series defeat to South Africa, stated on Wednesday that the decision regarding his future lies solely with the BCCI.
Speaking after India suffered a crushing 408-run loss in the second Test at Guwahati, resulting in a 2-0 whitewash, Gambhir acknowledged the team’s failures but urged the public not to overlook the successes achieved during his tenure.
Addressing the media following one of India’s heaviest defeats in Test history, Gambhir said, “It is up to the BCCI to decide my future. But I am the same guy who got you results in England and was coach for the Champions Trophy.” The coach highlighted India’s title-winning run in the Champions Trophy and their hard-fought 2-2 Test series draw in England earlier this year as evidence of the progress the team has made under his leadership.
Gambhir accepted responsibility for India’s disappointing performance, stating, “The blame lies with everyone and starts with me.” The second Test saw India collapse dramatically from a strong position at 95 for 1 to 122 for 7, a slide Gambhir described as “unacceptable.” He insisted he would not single out any player for criticism and maintained his stance of collective accountability: “You don’t blame any individual or any particular shot. Blame lies with everyone. I never blamed individuals and won’t do it going forward.”
India’s recent red-ball record paints a troubling picture. Under Gambhir’s leadership, the team has now lost 10 out of 18 Test matches, including back-to-back home whitewashes, first against New Zealand last year and now South Africa. The defeat in Guwahati also stands as India’s largest margin of loss by runs in Test cricket, further intensifying questions over the team’s direction and selection strategies.
Much of the recent criticism directed at Gambhir centres on his selection policies, particularly his preference for all-rounders over specialist players in the traditional format. Frequent changes in the playing XI have also sparked debate about the lack of stability in the Test side. Critics argue that the constant chopping and changing have disrupted rhythm and cohesion in the squad.
Responding to concerns about the kind of players India should be backing in Test cricket, Gambhir offered a philosophical take. “You don’t need the most flamboyant and talented cricketers to play Test cricket. What we need are tough characters with limited skills. They make good Test cricketers,” he said, hinting at a need for mental resilience over pure flair.
Despite the mounting pressure, Gambhir’s future with the national team remains uncertain, with the BCCI yet to comment on potential changes to the coaching set-up. As India looks to regroup following consecutive home series defeats, the spotlight will remain firmly on Gambhir and the direction he intends to take the team—if he continues in the role.
