With India suffering a historic 2-0 home Test series defeat against South Africa, head coach Gautam Gambhir has defended his record and hit back at critics, reminding them he is the same guy under whom the team won Champions Trophy and Asia Cup.
Temba Bavuma-led Proteas on Wednesday stunned India on their home turf, defeating the hosts by 408 runs in the second Test in Guwahati to complete a clean sweep.
With the match marking South Africa’s first series win in the country in 25 years, India, once considered nearly unbeatable in Tests at home, ended up losing five home Tests in the 2024-25 period, same as the total number of home defeats in 11 years – from 2012-23.
After the crushing defeat, Gambhir faced the media to answer questions about his future and the team’s performance.
When asked whether he is still the right man to continue as India’s head coach in Test cricket, he said, “There is… to be honest, there is no hindsight to sport. Whatever decision we’ve taken, we’ve taken for the best interest of the team and we absolutely believe that those were the right decisions that could get the job done for the country and for the team.”
“And the second question, it is up to BCCI to decide. I’ve said it in my first press conference when I took over as the head coach… Indian cricket is important, I’m not important. And I sit here and say exactly the same thing.”
Gambhir also reminded reporters of India’s successes under his leadership, citing victories in England, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the Asia Cup 2025.
“And yes, people can keep forgetting about it. I’m the same guy who got results in England as well, with a young team. And I’m sure you guys will forget very soon because a lot of people keep talking about New Zealand,” he added.
“Yes, this is a team that has less experience. And I’ve said it before as well, that they need to keep learning and they’re putting everything possible to turn the tide.”