Gautam Gambhir
Gautam Gambhir Defers to BCCI After India’s Heavy Loss to SA (Credits :"Jiohotstar)

Overview:

Gautam Gambhir clarified that the series against New Zealand cannot be compared to the current one, emphasising the differences in the teams.

Gautam Gambhir, the head coach of the Indian team, faced tough questions from the media in Guwahati but stayed calm. He attended the press conference after India’s 0-2 Test series defeat against South Africa, with the team suffering a 408-run loss in the second and final Test on 26 November.

The pressure on Gautam Gambhir has been increasing, as he has now become the first Indian coach to experience two whitewashes at home. In his debut year as coach, India suffered a 0-3 loss to New Zealand and has now been defeated 0-2 by South Africa. During the presser, a reporter didn’t hold back, asking Gambhir if he still considered himself the right choice for the Test coaching position.

India have been ordinary in home Tests, with five losses in their last seven matches. Under Gautam Gambhir’s tenure, the team has suffered defeats in 10 out of 19 matches.

“It’s up to the BCCI to decide. I mentioned it in my first press conference as head coach. Indian cricket matters, not me. And today, I stand by the same statement,” Gambhir said.

Gautam Gambhir clarified that the series against New Zealand cannot be compared to the current one, emphasising the differences in the teams. He pointed out that the experience level between the two batting lineups is different, likening it to chalk and cheese.

“People tend to forget. I’m the same person who brought results in England with a young team. Soon enough, everyone will forget that, too. Many keep focusing on the New Zealand series, but I’m the same coach who led the team to victory in the Champions Trophy and the Asia Cup. This team has less experience, and I’ve said it before, they need to keep learning, and they are doing everything they can to change the situation,” he said.

“No, it’s not the same. The series against New Zealand had a completely different team compared to this one. You all cover a lot of cricket the experience in that batting lineup and the experience in this one are worlds apart,” he explained.

“I don’t make excuses, I never have, and I never will. But four or five of our top eight batters have played fewer than 15 Test matches. They are learning and are gaining experience in the middle, and it’s never easy when facing a top-quality team. They need time to handle the pressure and improve.”

V M Suriya Narayanan is a passionate cricket writer who has been following the game since 2007. With a background in Civil Engineering (B.E.), he blends analytical thinking with a deep understanding of...