Gautam Gambhir (AP Photo)
NEW DELHI: India head coach Gautam Gambhir admitted responsibility for India’s latest Test humiliation but said his future now rests entirely with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), even as he reminded critics of the success achieved under his tenure.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Speaking after India’s 408-run defeat to South Africa in Guwahati — their biggest loss by runs in Test history and one that sealed a 2-0 series whitewash — Gambhir did not shy away from taking accountability.
“It is up to the BCCI to decide my future. But I am the same guy who got you results in England and was coach for Champions Trophy,” Gambhir said, referring to India’s title-winning Champions Trophy campaign and the hard-fought 2-2 draw in England earlier this year.
In his first comments after the series defeat, Gambhir accepted collective failure: “The blame lies with everyone and starts with me. 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.”
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India’s recent Test record under Gambhir has been under the scanner. The team has now lost 10 of their last 18 Tests, including two home whitewashes — against New Zealand last year and now South Africa.The latest loss has intensified scrutiny over Gambhir’s team selections, especially his emphasis on all-rounders over specialist players. But he defended his vision for Test cricket.“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,” Gambhir asserted, stressing the need for resilience over flair.