“It is up to the BCCI to decide my future” - Gautam Gambhir opens up after Test series defeat to South Africa

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir, who has been facing harsh criticism amid India’s Test series defeat to South Africa, has asserted that the Indian team would require a collective effort to up its game in the longest format of the game.

With the 408-run defeat in the second Test in Guwahati, India slipped down to the fifth rank in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 standings. Interestingly, Pakistan is holding the fourth rank on the points table.

Speaking in the post-match press conference, Gambhir stated that blaming the players or support staff wouldn’t work. Also, he additionally opened up on his future as a head coach, adding that it’s up to the BCCI to decide his position. 

“If we want Test cricket to flourish in India, we need a collective effort. Just blaming players or support staff won't help. And we can't put things under the carpet. If you score in white-ball cricket and then forget red-ball responsibilities, that should never happen,” Gambhir said in the post-match press conference.

"It is up to the BCCI to decide my future. But I am the same guy who got you results in England and was the coach for the Champions Trophy. The blame lies with everyone and starts with me," he added.

"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 noted.

"You don't need the most flamboyant and talented cricketers to play Test cricket. What we need are tough characters with limited skills. They make good Test cricketers," he concluded.

It’s worth noting that under Gautam Gambhir, India suffered 10 defeats in a total of 18 Tests.

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