Gautam Gambhir gives big statement on his future after India faces crushing defeat against South Africa News24 –

India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, did not plead for an extended tenure as his team’s performance in Test cricket plumbed a new low, with South Africa finishing off a 2-0 series sweep – its maiden series win in India in 25 years. Gambhir had some searching questions thrown at him in the post-match press conference, including ones about his future as the head coach of the Indian Test team. Asked if he expected to continue, Gambhir was clear that a call on that was the domain of the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

Taking complete responsibility for the team’s dismal performance at the start of the conference, Gambhir said that the blame for the series defeat is shared by everyone but it starts with him. “The blame lies with everyone and it starts with me,” he said candidly.

“It is for the BCCI to decide. I have said this before as well, Indian cricket is important, I am not important. I am the same guy who got results in England, won the Champions Trophy, and the Asia Cup. This is a team which is learning,” Gambhir said in the press conference

When pressed on how India could recover from this slump, Gambhir said that one way was to go back to Test cricket. He believes that a shift in focus towards the longest format of the game is essential for the team’s revival.

“We need to play better. From 95/1 to 122/7 is not acceptable. You don’t blame any individual or any particular shot. Blame lies with everyone. I never blamed individuals and won’t do it going forward,” he added.

“You don’t need the most flamboyant and talented cricketers to play Test cricket. What we need is tough characters with limited skills. They make good Test cricketers,” he said. 

“Start prioritising Test cricket, if you are really serious about Test cricket. If you are serious about Test cricket in India, a collective effort is required. You cannot only blame only players or a certain individual,” he said.