Gautam Gambhir has discovered himself in the midst of rising scrutiny after India slipped to a 2-0 Take a look at sequence defeat in opposition to South Africa — their first residence whitewash to the Proteas in 25 years. With India’s red-ball fortunes dipping sharply underneath his tenure, Gambhir was compelled to deal with powerful questions on his future in the course of the post-match press convention in Guwahati. The India head coach, nonetheless, stopped wanting defending his place, stating that the choice on whether or not he continues rests fully with the Board of Management for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Gautam Gambir reacts after India’s humiliating defeat in Guwahati Take a look at
Dealing with the media moments after India’s 408-run loss, Gambhir acknowledged the frustration surrounding the outcome and maintained that he has by no means considered his position via a private lens. Responding as to whether he expects to be retained, the previous India opener stated, “It’s for the BCCI to determine. I’ve stated this earlier than as nicely — Indian cricket is vital, I’m not vital.”
He reminded that he has been a part of groups that delivered historic outcomes up to now however insisted that the highlight should stay on collective efficiency slightly than particular person positions.
“I’m the identical man who obtained ends in England, gained the Champions Trophy, and the Asia Cup. It is a workforce that’s studying,” he added.
India’s Take a look at struggles deepen underneath Gambhir’s tenure
India’s red-ball inconsistencies have been a recurring theme since Gambhir took cost. The workforce has now misplaced 10 out of the 18 Assessments underneath him — figures that stand in stark distinction to India’s historically robust residence document. Final 12 months’s whitewash in opposition to New Zealand triggered a significant overhaul, with youthful gamers introduced in to revitalise the squad. Nonetheless, the sample repeated itself in opposition to South Africa, exposing the identical frailties in batting and decision-making.
The collapse from 95/1 to 122/7 within the first innings at Guwahati was a turning level, one thing Gambhir admitted was unacceptable.
“You don’t blame any particular person or any explicit shot. Blame lies with everybody,” he stated, reiterating that he has by no means singled out gamers throughout powerful phases.
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Criticism grows over workforce choice and tactical calls
Gambhir has confronted rising criticism in latest months for experimenting with combos and relying closely on all-rounders in a format that historically rewards specialists. His rotational strategies, though rooted to find steadiness, have been questioned for disrupting stability inside the XI.
Requested about what sort of gamers match the mould for Take a look at cricket, Gambhir supplied a transparent stance concerning the characters within the recreation. His feedback mirror India’s ongoing seek for gritty performers who can take in stress — one thing the workforce sorely lacked in the course of the sequence.
“You don’t want essentially the most flamboyant and proficient cricketers for Take a look at cricket. What we want is hard characters with restricted abilities. They make good Take a look at cricketers,” added Gambhir.
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