GautamGambhir says his future is up for the BCCI to decide as India’s head coach

Gambhir reminded all what he’s achieved since taking over as Team India’s head coach, when asked whether he should continue in the role.

GautamGambhir, the head coach of Team India, has been receiving significant backlash for his decisions, as the Indian team under his leadership has suffered five losses in seven matches on home soil over the past year. Under his leadership, New Zealand whitewashed India 3-0 last October, and a 2-0 sweep against South Africa has now only escalated the tension and led to a much-talked-about debate, whether Gambhir should step down as India’s head coach, especially in Tests?

GautamGambhir says, “Indian cricket is important, I am not.”

When a reporter recently asked Gambhir, “Do you think you are the right man for the job?” He took some of the blame but was quick to remind everyone of what he’s accomplished since taking over. During the post-match press conference, Gambhir said, “It is up to the BCCI to decide. I said it in my first press conference when I took over as the head coach that Indian cricket is important; I am not. And I sit here sticking by the same thing. And yes, people can keep forgetting that I am the same guy who got results in England as well with a young team. And I am sure you guys will forget pretty soon. A lot of people keep talking about New Zealand, but I am the same guy under whom India won the Champions Trophy and the Asia Cup as well. This is a team which has less experience. I have said this before as well, that they need to keep learning and do everything possible to turn the tide.”

Gambhir takes the blame but states the difference between NZ and SA losses.

He said, “It [blame] lies with everyone in that dressing room, and it starts with me. I have said it before as well. We win together and lose together. So I’m not going to say that it lies with XYZ; it lies with everyone in that room. As simple as it can get. That is what team sport is all about.” He added, “First of all, in the series against New Zealand, we had a very different side. And this is a very different one. When you see this batting line-up against that batting line-up, the experience between the two is chalk and cheese. So comparing everything to New Zealand is probably the wrong narrative. I will not give excuses, never done that in the past, won’t do it in the future, but if you see 4-5 batters in this top 8 have literally played less than 15 Test matches. And they will grow. They are learning on the job, on the field. Test cricket is never easy when you’re playing against a top-quality side. You’ve got to give them time.”