Gautam Gambhir Faces Heat as India Suffer Worst Test Loss; Coach Speaks on Resignation Rumours
Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir is under intense fire after India suffered their worst-ever Test defeat a crushing 408-run loss to South Africa in the 2nd Test in Guwahati on November 26.
The loss has triggered major concerns about India’s form in the longest format. The team has now lost five consecutive Test matches at home, all during Gambhir’s tenure. With fans and experts questioning his strategies, the big question is: Will Gautam Gambhir resign? Or will the BCCI step in?
Gambhir addressed these questions head-on during the post-match press conference.
When asked about his job security, 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 Champions Trophy. The blame lies with everyone and starts with me," Gambhir said.
Speaking about India’s collapse, he added:
"We need to play better. From 95/1 to 122/7 is not acceptable. 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."
He doubled down on the point:
"We need to play better. From 95/1 to 122/7 is not acceptable. 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."
Gambhir also highlighted what kind of players he believes succeed in Test cricket:
"You don't need the most flamboyant and talented cricketers to play Test cricket. What we need is tough characters with limited skills. They make good Test cricketers," he said.
India’s recent Test form has been deeply concerning. Under Gambhir’s leadership, the team has lost 10 of 18 Test matches, including:
The crushing 408-run defeat in Guwahati is now India’s biggest loss by runs in Test history.
Critics argue that Gambhir’s frequent team changes and preference for multiple all-rounders over specialist batters and bowlers have destabilised the side.
Earlier, former India head coach Ravi Shastri openly criticised Gambhir’s decisions during the series. Speaking about India’s batting collapse, Shastri said he was shocked at how the team changed their order after Shubman Gill's injury.
Shastri remarked:
“It makes no sense. I can’t figure out the reasoning. When they review this series, some of these selections will leave them puzzled.”
He also questioned India’s selection choices in Kolkata:
"In Kolkata, you picked four spinners and one of them bowled only a single over, when you could’ve easily picked a specialist batter. And, here, after making Washington bat at three in the last Test, you could’ve slotted him at four today since you already had your number three. He’s not a number eight. He’s much better than that,” Shastri added.
The loss has triggered major concerns about India’s form in the longest format. The team has now lost five consecutive Test matches at home, all during Gambhir’s tenure. With fans and experts questioning his strategies, the big question is: Will Gautam Gambhir resign? Or will the BCCI step in?
Gambhir addressed these questions head-on during the post-match press conference.
Gambhir’s Candid Response: “It is up to the BCCI to decide my future”
When asked about his job security, 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 Champions Trophy. The blame lies with everyone and starts with me," Gambhir said.
Speaking about India’s collapse, he added:
"We need to play better. From 95/1 to 122/7 is not acceptable. 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."
He doubled down on the point:
"We need to play better. From 95/1 to 122/7 is not acceptable. 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."
Gambhir also highlighted what kind of players he believes succeed in Test cricket:
"You don't need the most flamboyant and talented cricketers to play Test cricket. What we need is tough characters with limited skills. They make good Test cricketers," he said.
India’s Test Struggles Worsen Under Gambhir
India’s recent Test form has been deeply concerning. Under Gambhir’s leadership, the team has lost 10 of 18 Test matches, including:
- Two home whitewashes against New Zealand (last year)
- A 0-2 whitewash against South Africa in the latest series
The crushing 408-run defeat in Guwahati is now India’s biggest loss by runs in Test history.
Critics argue that Gambhir’s frequent team changes and preference for multiple all-rounders over specialist batters and bowlers have destabilised the side.
Ravi Shastri Hits Out at Gambhir’s Team Selection
Earlier, former India head coach Ravi Shastri openly criticised Gambhir’s decisions during the series. Speaking about India’s batting collapse, Shastri said he was shocked at how the team changed their order after Shubman Gill's injury.
Shastri remarked:
“It makes no sense. I can’t figure out the reasoning. When they review this series, some of these selections will leave them puzzled.”
He also questioned India’s selection choices in Kolkata:
"In Kolkata, you picked four spinners and one of them bowled only a single over, when you could’ve easily picked a specialist batter. And, here, after making Washington bat at three in the last Test, you could’ve slotted him at four today since you already had your number three. He’s not a number eight. He’s much better than that,” Shastri added.
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