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Speaking at the post-match press conference after India’s 408-run defeat in Guwahati, Gambhir said that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) would decide on his future, but added that the same coaching set-up had produced results earlier.
“It is up to the BCCI to decide my future,” he said. “But I am the same guy who got you results in England and was the coach for the Champions Trophy.” India had drawn 2-2 in England earlier this year and won the Champions Trophy under his leadership.
Gambhir repeatedly acknowledged the batting failure, particularly the collapse from 95/1 to 122/7 in the second Test. He said, “This is not acceptable. Everyone is to blame. I have never blamed individuals and will not do so again.”
India have now lost 10 out of 18 Tests under Gambhir, including whitewashes at home against New Zealand last year and South Africa this week. The latest series defeat is South Africa’s first defeat in India in 25 years and the first time in 66 years that India has lost five Tests in seven months on home soil.
The coach called for a rethink on how Indian cricket approaches the longest format. “We have to start giving priority to Test cricket and everyone has to be a stakeholder. It has to be a collective effort,” he said.
On selection philosophy, he said: “You don’t need the brightest and brightest cricketers to play Test cricket. We need tough characters with limited skills.”
Gambhir has faced criticism for relying on all-rounders and making frequent team changes. India’s inexperienced batting line-up struggled against spin and bounce on a poor surface on the fifth day, with Simon Harmer and Marco Jansen bowling out the hosts for 140. Only Ravindra Jadeja (53) offered resistance.
Gambhir said that India will have to show a strong fight. “We need to play better,” he said, emphasizing that personnel and preparation are ultimately his responsibility.
(with inputs from agencies)