The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly not happy with head coach Gautam Gambhir’s comments at the press conference after the defeat in the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata. Gambhir’s position as head coach can be decided after the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.
India lost completely to South Africa in the two-Test series. They lost the first match in Kolkata by 30 runs before suffering a 408-run defeat in Guwahati. The series of defeats left the Men in Blue with a 0-2 defeat. Notably, this was the second whitewash in a home Test series during Gambhir’s tenure.
BCCI not happy with Gautam Gambhir’s comments after Kolkata’s defeat
According to a report in Hindustan Times, BCCI is unhappy with Gautam Gambhir’s comments regarding the Kolkata pitch. Gambhir is expected to remain the head coach, as there are few replacements available. However, his future may depend on India’s performance in the T20 World Cup.
“The BCCI is not at all happy with India head coach Gautam Gambhir’s apparent comments on the Kolkata pitch following the team’s recent Test defeat to South Africa, although the board has refrained from taking any immediate action,” the report said.
Sources have indicated that Gambhir is likely to remain in charge for now due to “lack of options”, but his position could be examined later this year – especially if India perform poorly in the T20 World Cup on home soil.
This is exactly the pitch we were looking for – Gautam Gambhir
India collapsed while chasing 124 runs in Kolkata. Gautam Gambhir defended the Eden Gardens surface, saying that the pitch performed exactly as the team had requested. He said that the defeat was only the result of poor performance, not the wicket.
Gambhir had said after the Kolkata defeat, “This is exactly the pitch we were looking for. The curator was very, very helpful and supportive. This is what we wanted and that’s what we got. When you don’t play well, that’s what happens.”
“Yes, it may not be a wicket that will be very dynamic where you can play big shots. But if you are willing to put your head down, it is definitely a wicket where you can score.”
BCCI worried after India’s test defeat; Gambhir’s future depends on T20 World Cup
These comments caused concern within the BCCI, especially when India’s batting failed on both the Kolkata and Guwahati pitches. The poor performance has raised doubts over whether the team is preparing well and adapting to different conditions.
The board plans to review India’s Test defeat with Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. However, they are unlikely to make quick or major changes right now. Split coaching is not being seriously considered and there are very few alternative options for the head coach at the moment.
India are now moving towards white-ball matches and the BCCI will be keeping an eye on how Gambhir manages the team during this period. He is safe for now, but the upcoming T20 World Cup may decide his future.
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