Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has added fuel to the growing debate over India’s shocking 30-run defeat to South Africa at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Kaif has openly suggested that this embarrassing defeat has put Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir under severe pressure.
Kaif believes that losing Tests on home soil is not something that fans or experts will accept, especially when India has its own legacy in home conditions. During Gautam Gambhir’s tenure, the team has so far lost four out of six Tests at home.
Pressure increases on Gautam Gambhir as Mohammad Kaif questions India’s falling fort
The former Indian batsman has also said that defeat in countries like Australia or England was once considered normal, but defeat in Indian conditions raises big questions.
After South Africa broke India’s dominance in Kolkata and New Zealand whitewashed the team earlier this year, Kaif feels the pressure on Gambhir has now doubled.
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“Of course, the pressure is increasing. There is no doubt about it. In previous eras, if you went to Australia, you were sure to lose, and no one felt bad,” Mohammad Kaif said in a video on his YouTube channel.
You lost in Australia or England; This was bound to happen. But defeat is not acceptable in India because this is your fort. South Africa tore down the fort, and New Zealand came and wiped out.”
VVS Laxman’s name has come up after Mohammad Kaif highlighted the growing doubts over Gautam Gambhir.
Furthermore, Kaif hinted that if things do not improve soon in Test cricket, new contenders may soon emerge for the role of head coach. Among those names, VVS Laxman seems to be the most popular option.
With his experience at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and previous stint as a stand-in coach, Kaif believes Laxman can be a strong candidate to replace Gautam Gambhir as India’s Test coach if the BCCI considers a change.
Kaif further added, “So, this is increasing the pressure, and that is why Laxman’s name will come forward, and also other names who are close to coaching.” [among contenders],
Meanwhile, Kaif believes that Indian cricket is suffering because the process of selecting coaches is not as open and clear as it should be. He said that many highly experienced former players feel ignored and even embarrassed when they apply for coaching roles, but never hear back.
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Mohammad Kaif criticizes BCCI, claims experienced players were humiliated in India’s coaching selections
These are the players who endured pressure in packed stadiums and delivered match-winning performances, yet were left wondering whether their applications mattered. Criticizing Gautam Gambhir and his team, Kaif said that many times coaches are hired without interview.
The cricket pundit further added, “What if we apply and it gets rejected? It’s like an insult. I am leaving my job and trying to provide a service. So, there is a gray area. Everyone knows this. A qualified person does not necessarily get the job. When Gambhir became coach, he brought in people like Sitansu Kotak and Abhishek Nair. The BCCI allows this.”
Kaif signed off by saying, “I think there is a need for transparency. People who have played match-winning games in front of a crowd of one lakh should be supported rather than people who have played 3-4 matches and were part of the team… When Sitanshu Kotak joined, there was no interview.”
