“The BCCI will decide, not me”: Gautam Gambhir hits back after South Africa loss, reminds critics of Champions Trophy triumph

Guwahati (The Uttam Hindu): After the Indian team's Test series whitewash against New Zealand and South Africa, the future of head coach Gautam Gambhir has come under scrutiny. Following two humiliating defeats in two consecutive major Test series, calls for Gambhir's removal have intensified. However, Gambhir has responded candidly to these questions, making it clear that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will decide his future, not him.

'I am the one who won the Champions Trophy' Facing sharp questions at the press conference, Gambhir defended his tenure and reminded critics of his past record. He said, "It is the BCCI's responsibility to decide on my position. I had said in my first press conference after becoming coach that I am not important, Indian cricket is important." Gambhir retorted, "Don't forget that I am the same person under whose leadership the team drew the Test series in England, won the Champions Trophy and won the Asia Cup."

Collapse from 95/1 to 122/7 is not acceptable Gambhir expressed deep displeasure over the collapse of the Indian batting in the match. He said, "We need to play better cricket. Suddenly falling from 95/1 to 122/7 is not acceptable in any way." However, he refused to make any one player a scapegoat. He said, "You cannot blame any one player or any one shot. The responsibility for the defeat starts with me, but it is the responsibility of the entire team."

Team India is in a transitional phase. Gambhir acknowledged that the current Indian team is going through a transitional phase, and the squad's lack of experience is clearly visible. He stated unequivocally that if India wants to become the number one team in Test cricket, the players and the board must prioritize this format.