Guwahati / New Delhi — Under-fire head coach Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) today found himself firmly putting his fate in the board’s hands. After India’s humiliating 408-run loss to South Africa national cricket team in the second Test — sealing a 2-0 series sweep — Gautam Gambhir said he won’t plead for more time, insisting, “Indian cricket is important. I am not.” NDTV Sports+2The Economic Times+2
📉 Series Defeat Hits Hard
With this loss, India’s Test performance under Gambhir has hit a new low. Once hailed as a fortress at home, India’s red-ball fortunes have cratered. The clean sweep by South Africa marks their first home Test series defeat in 25 years. The Economic Times+1
Facing harsh questions from the media, Gambhir took responsibility but framed the larger failures as collective — and left his own future open to the BCCI’s decision. India Today+1
“It is for BCCI to decide. I have said this before as well — Indian cricket is important, I am not important,” Gambhir told reporters. He reminded critics of earlier successes — a Champions Trophy victory, the Asia Cup win, and a credible 2–2 Test draw in England earlier this year. The Economic Times+1
🎯 Gambhir’s Defence: Successes Before, Future Uncertain
Gambhir said his first mission was to build a learning and growing team. The recent results notwithstanding, he wanted recognition for the high points. But now, accountability, he suggested, couldn’t be his alone.
He dismissed calls for excuses, saying post-match collapse — from 95/1 to 122/7 — was inexcusable, and blamed collective failure, not one bat or one shot. The Economic Times+1
🧨 Backlash From Former Greats and Experts
Not everyone’s backing Gambhir. Former India captain and ex-selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth didn’t mince words. Srikkanth slammed Gambhir’s erratic team selection, calling the frequent chopping and changing “unacceptable.” He questioned why established players like Axar Patel were dropped and argued that the coach’s decisions were compromising the team’s stability. Hindustan Times+1
Meanwhile, critics pointed out that under Gambhir’s watch, India have lost five of their last seven home Tests — prompting serious questions about his suitability for the job. India Today+1
🤝 Some Voices Still Support Him
Not all former stars are calling for his exit. Suresh Raina defended Gambhir, arguing that losses aren’t always the coach’s fault — the players must back their guidance. Raina pointed out that under Gambhir, India had secured significant white-ball successes earlier. CricTracker+1
BCCI’s own secretary has said nothing definitive yet — but with public pressure mounting and media scrutiny intensifying, the board finds itself at a crossroads. NDTV Sports+1
🧭 What Happens Next?
It now rests with BCCI. Will they stand by Gambhir, banking on his prior achievements, or seek a reset to salvage India’s Test future? With series defeats stacking up and expectations riding high, the board’s decision will be watched closely — not just by fans, but by players and cricket pundits across the country.
For now, Gambhir’s fate lies not in his words, but in BCCI’s hands.
