Overview:
Following India’s setbacks in their home Test series, there is pressure on the BCCI to part ways with Gambhir. However, Saikia made it clear that the board is not impacted by emotional responses, pointing out that winning and losing are part of cricket.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia addressed India’s struggles in home Test matches, highlighting the influence of key players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin. He also discussed Gautam Gambhir‘s future as head coach. India are facing one of its toughest phases in Test cricket, enduring heavy defeats at home over the past year under Gambhir’s coaching.
Team India faced a heavy 0-3 loss to New Zealand in a home Test series last year and followed it up with a 0-2 defeat to South Africa. Both series defeats came under the coaching of Gautam Gambhir as head coach, with Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant captaining the side. Fans have blamed the head coach for the poor performances.
During an interview with the Times of India, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia was asked about the pitches in the South Africa series.
“I am not privy to the developments in CAB. However, the work done at Barsapara was overseen by BCCI chief curator Asish Bhowmick, who managed both the ground and the pitches. I believe the ground staff deserves full recognition for producing a good wicket. I’ve heard experts calling it an ideal pitch for Test cricket.”
Following India’s setbacks in their home Test series, there is pressure on the BCCI to part ways with Gambhir. However, Saikia made it clear that the board is not impacted by emotional responses, pointing out that winning and losing are part of cricket.
“BCCI doesn’t take knee-jerk reactions. We are following our long-term plan. Winning or losing is a part of the game. We don’t make changes. If any adjustment is needed, we make that decision at the end of the period.”
Devajit Saikia pointed out that the Indian Test team is undergoing transition following the retirements of R Ashwin, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma.
“There are important factors to consider. Firstly, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin retired from Test cricket. India are going through a transition. It will take time before we regain our position as the No. 1 Test team in the world.”