BCCI take key decision on split coaching after Gautam Gambhir's Test failures for India

Former cricketers and experts are questioning Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir's role following the team's 2-0 series loss to South Africa in the two-match series. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided that Gambhir will stay on as head coach, according to a report from ANI.

India’s Test performances have been disappointing during Gambhir’s stint as head coach. India managed only a 2-2 draw in their five-match series in England. Earlier, the Men in Blue suffered a 0-3 whitewash at home against New Zealand last year and also failed to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.

Gautam Gambhir to Remain India’s Head Coach Across All Three Formats

India have been in a challenging spot in the ICC World Test Championship cycle. The BCCI is not planning any change in leadership. According to ANI, board officials have clarified that Gautam Gambhir will continue as India’s head coach across all formats, with no discussions underway about replacing him.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

“He will remain head coach in all three formats, no decision is being considered,” a BCCI source was quoted as saying by ANI.

Frustration among supporters has grown after India’s record 408-run loss to South Africa. Angry fans expressed their displeasure outside the Barsapara Stadium, chanting “Gautam Gambhir hay hay” against the head coach following the team’s collapse.

India Slips in WTC After Third Home Whitewash

India have suffered their third home whitewash in Test cricket. The first came in 2000 against South Africa, and the second happened in 2024 when New Zealand beat India 3-0.

Gautam Gambhir has faced strong criticism during this period. Many fans feel he relies too much on all-rounders and ignores specialist players. Fans are also unhappy about the recent retirements of senior names like Ravichandran Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara.

The whitewash has pushed India down to fifth place in the current World Test Championship table. They have won only four of their nine matches and have a points percentage of 48.15.

India will not play Test cricket again until next year’s tour of Sri Lanka. With nine more Tests left in this cycle, including four away games, Shubman Gill’s team has a tough road ahead if they hope to reach the WTC final.

India Suffered the Biggest Home Defeat by Runs in Test History

India faced a heavy defeat in the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati, losing by 408 runs on November 27. They were also whitewashed 2-0 by the Proteas.

Chasing a target of 549, India began the final day with eight wickets in hand but could not put up any real fight. They were bowled out for only 140 in 63.5 overs. Notably, it was India’s biggest loss by runs in Test history at home.

India’s batting struggled throughout the series. They failed to reach even 250 in any innings, and the South African attack, especially Marco Jansen and Simon Harmer, dominated with the ball.

The teams will now meet in white-ball cricket, with a three-match ODI series starting in Ranchi on Sunday, November 30. Following the ODIs, the teams will play a five-match T20I series.

Also read: Gautam Gambhir deemed unfit for coaching in Virat Kohli's camp report, will BCCI pay heed?