Gautam Gambhir, the head coach of the India men's cricket team, spoke to the media on Wednesday and said that the BCCI will decide if he remains in the role after the team's South Africa test series in which India lost 2-0. Besides, he pointed out the trophies India has won under his tenure. Gambhir talked to the press after India lost the second Test by 408 runs and thus South Africa secured the series 2-0.
“It is up to the BCCI to decide. I've said it in my first press conference when I took over as the head coach. Indian cricket is important, I'm not important. And I sit here and say exactly the same thing,” Gambhir said.
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He added, “And yes, people can keep forgetting about it. I'm the same guy who got results in England as well, with a young team. And I'm sure you guys will forget very soon, because a lot of people keep talking about New Zealand (home series whitewash last year). And I'm the same guy who won the Champions Trophy, and Asia Cup as well.”
Gambhir also accepted accountability for the team’s poor performance in the series. “The blame lies with everyone and starts with me,” he said, marking his first public response to the 0-2 loss.
Also Read | 'Comparing everything to New Zealand wrong': Gautam Gambhir fires back at media post South Africa whitewash
After the defeat, Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal shot off a strong and fiery critique and suggested that India urgently needs a dedicated Test-format coach.
He wrote on X, “Not even close, what a complete thrashing at home! Don’t remember seeing our test side being so weak at home!!! This is what happens when red ball specialists are not picked.”
He continued, “This team is nowhere near reflective of the deep strength we possess in the red ball format. Time for India to move to a specialist red ball coach for Test cricket.”
India's 408-run defeat in the second Test was their largest loss by runs, and it handed South Africa their first Test series win on Indian soil in 25 years. At the moment, Gautam Gambhir's record as the Test coach of the Indian team comprises 7 wins, 10 losses, and 2 draws out of 19 matches, with a winning percentage of 36.82.
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