Gautam Gambhir: 'My successes should not be forgotten', coach Gambhir gives a clear answer to the question about the future after the defeat

Following the Test series defeat against South Africa, head coach Gautam Gambhir is facing criticism. When the Indian batting order faltered in the first innings during the Guwahati Test, calls for Gambhir's removal gained momentum on social media. Now, with the team losing the two-match Test series 0-2, Gambhir has once again come under fire. However, the coach has now broken his silence and stated that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will decide on his future.

Second home series loss in 13 months

India has suffered another humiliating defeat at home. South Africa won the Guwahati Test by 408 runs, whitewashing India in the two-match Test series. South Africa won the Kolkata Test by 30 runs. South Africa had set a target of 549 runs. The world Test champions bowled out India for 140 in the second innings and won by 408 runs. This is the second time in 13 months that India has been clean-swept by a team in a Test series at home. Previously, in October-November 2024, New Zealand defeated India 3-0 in a three-match Test series.

Gave a clear answer about the future

While Gambhir gave a clear answer to the question about his future, he also reminded everyone that people should not forget the success the team has achieved during his tenure. Gambhir said in the press conference, "The BCCI will decide on my future. I have said before that Indian cricket is important, not me. But I am the same person who gave you results as the coach of England and the Champions Trophy." Under Gambhir's coaching, India won the Champions Trophy earlier this year, while drawing the five-match series against England 2-2.

Gambhir said, "Everyone is to blame, starting with me. We should have played better. Going from 95/1 to 122/7 is unacceptable." You can't blame any one player or shot. Everyone is at fault. I never blame anyone, and I won't allow that to happen.

India lost 10 Tests under Gambhir's coaching.

Under Gambhir's coaching, India has lost 10 of 18 Test matches, including a clean sweep against New Zealand last year. India suffered its biggest defeat by runs in the Guwahati Test against South Africa. Gambhir has been criticised for his frequent changes to the team, particularly his focus on playing more all-rounders in the red-ball format. Gambhir said, "You don't need extremely flamboyant and talented cricketers to play Test cricket. We need players with limited skills and strong personalities. They make good Test cricketers."