The pressure on Team India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has intensified following the team’s humiliating 2-0 Test series defeat to South Africa on home soil. With five losses in seven home Tests under his leadership, criticism from fans, former cricketers, and analysts has reached its peak, prompting questions about whether Gambhir should continue as India’s head coach in the longest format.

However, the former opener has made it clear that he has no intention of stepping down voluntarily. Speaking after India’s record 408-run defeat in Guwahati, Gambhir stated that his role and future depend entirely on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

“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,” Gambhir said. He stressed that while criticism focuses heavily on recent failures, many have conveniently forgotten the results he has delivered within a short span.

Gambhir defends achievements since taking charge

The BCCI appointed Gambhir as head coach after Rahul Dravid stepped down following India’s T20 World Cup triumph in June. Under Gambhir, India enjoyed significant success in white-ball formats, winning both the Champions Trophy and the Asia Cup this year. India also drew a competitive Test series in England and secured wins against West Indies and Bangladesh.

But the steep decline in Test performances has overshadowed those achievements.

“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,” Gambhir reminded reporters.

India’s worst home defeat adds to scrutiny

India’s loss in Guwahati was their worst in terms of runs at home, surpassing the previous 342-run defeat against Australia in 2004. The defeat also marked South Africa’s first Test series win in India in 25 years, adding historical weight to the setback.

Social media outrage and expert analysis have highlighted concerns about team selection, strategy, and player development under Gambhir’s leadership.

Gambhir accepts responsibility but highlights inexperience

While refusing to resign, Gambhir did acknowledge his share of responsibility.

“It lies with everyone in that dressing room, and it starts with me. We win together and lose together,” he said.

He also pointed out the difference between the New Zealand whitewash last year and the current squad facing South Africa.

“In the series against New Zealand, we had a very different side. When you see this batting line-up against that one, the experience between the two is chalk and cheese. Four or five batters in this top eight have played less than 15 Test matches.”

He urged patience, emphasising that young players are learning on the field against world-class opposition.

What happens next?

With three senior pillars of Indian cricket — Ravichandran Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli — retiring from Tests this year, India’s red-ball transition has been turbulent. Whether the BCCI continues backing Gambhir through this rebuilding phase will likely determine India’s direction in Test cricket.

For now, Gambhir maintains that Indian cricket remains the priority, not individual positions.