“BCCI is at fault for it” - Munaf Patel defends Gautam Gambhir despite India’s Test debacle

Former Indian pacer Munaf Patel has backed the Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir, who faced sharp criticism for India’s poor performances at home in the longest format of the game since taking over as the head coach.

Under Gambhir, India suffered two consecutive Test series whitewashes to SENA nations New Zealand and South Africa by 0-3 each, which drew sharp criticism from experts and fans from the Indian cricketing fraternity. 

While speaking exclusively to Breaking Sports with Vivek Sethia on YouTube, Munaf supported Gambhir and blamed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) instead for India’s poor Test form at home.

"Why we are losing at home is because our batters don't know how to play spin. And the BCCI is at fault for it. They have stopped offering turning pitches in domestic cricket. They have made it mandatory that at least 6mm of grass be on pitches. How will it turn?" Munaf said on 'Breaking Sports with Vivek Sethia'.

"Earlier, our curators would prepare pitches as per our strengths. And hence, when India plays at home, we dish out turning wickets. So clearly, you don't understand where to get your feet and bat," he added.

For the unversed, India failed to make it to the final of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle. Moreover, they have already hampered their chances of advancing to the final of the ongoing WTC 2025-27 cycle after their recent whitewash to South Africa at home.

On the other hand, Munaf made it clear that Gambhir already has a good record in helping the Men In Blue to an ICC title in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign and an overseas Test series draw by 2-2 against England in the Anderson Tendulkar Trophy.

"Everyone's blaming Gautam Gambhir. He's being unfairly targeted. He is not batting out there. The ones who are, aren't prepared enough. Why are you targeting one person? He is a good coach. He's won an ICC title and drawn the Test series in England," Munaf concluded.

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