Gautam Gambhir Defends Tenure After India’s 2–0 Test Whitewash, Cites Champions Trophy and Asia Cup Wins

Gautam Gambhir has responded firmly to criticism following India’s 2-0 Test series whitewash at home against South Africa, reminding detractors that he is the same coach under whom the team secured major international titles such as the Champions Trophy and the Asia Cup. His remarks came after India suffered a heavy 408-run defeat in the second Test in Guwahati, where Temba Bavuma’s side completed South Africa’s first Test series victory on Indian soil in 25 years.

The loss added to a difficult period for India in home Test cricket. Once considered almost unbeatable in familiar conditions, the team has now lost five home Tests in the 2024–25 season alone—a number equal to their total home defeats across an eleven-year stretch from 2012 to 2023. The unexpected collapse has intensified scrutiny of Gambhir’s role and the direction of Indian Test cricket.

Facing the media after the match, Gambhir was asked if he still believed he was the right person to lead India’s Test side. He responded that sport does not work in hindsight and that every decision taken by the coaching staff was made with the team’s best interests in mind. He said the responsibility of deciding his future ultimately lies with the BCCI and reiterated that Indian cricket is more important than any individual position or title.

Gambhir also pushed back against the narrative that recent results define his tenure, reminding reporters of India’s achievements under his leadership. He pointed to India’s successful tour of England and victories in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the Asia Cup 2025, noting that such accomplishments are often overlooked when short-term failures dominate public discussion. He added that critics frequently highlight India’s struggles in New Zealand while ignoring the team’s progress elsewhere.

Addressing concerns about the current squad, Gambhir acknowledged that the team lacks experience but emphasised that the players are committed to learning and improving. He stressed that the group is doing everything possible to reverse the momentum and return to winning ways, particularly in a format where consistency and continuity take time to build.