Reports: BCCI to retain Gautam Gambhir as head coach despite 2-0 Test defeat to South Africa

BCCI has no plans to sack head coach Gautam Gambhir after India’s 2-0 Test series loss to South Africa, backing him to lead the team through upcoming challenges.

Gautam Gambhir (Image | BCCI on X)

After an embarrassing Test series loss against South Africa, the Indian fans have shown their disappointment towards head coach Gautam Gambhir. From online outrage against the head coach to the on-field chants of ‘Hay Hay’ in Guwahati, fans have shown their clear intentions of sacking Gambhir from the Indian cricket team.

However, as per NDTV, one BCCI source opened up about the board’s decision to not sack Gambhir, as the team is in transition and the coach has no role in on-field performances by the players. Hence, BCCI has no plans of removing Gambhir and are in full support of him. His contract is set to end after the ODI World Cup 2027 and he will remain as India’s head coach until then.

"We are not looking to replace Gautam Gambhir at the moment. He is rebuilding a team. His contract runs till the 2027 World Cup," BCCI sources told NDTV.

"There will be a meeting between team management and selectors at the end of the South Africa tour. Gambhir will be asked how to pick up the test team's performance while transitioning," the sources added.

There were many questions that were raised by the BCCI source after the fans’ outrage started on social media. He clearly mentioned that when Gambhir wasn’t given due credit for Champions Trophy and Asia Cup 2025 win, then he shouldn’t be blamed for the Test defeats as well.

Also read: Former India cricketer slams Rishabh Pant’s captaincy after series defeat against South Africa

“He's a coach. The coach can prepare a team. The coach can tell, you know, a guy with his experience. But it's out there in the middle that the players have to deliver. Now, to those who are asking, you know, for him to be held accountable, my question, counter-question is: what did you do when India won the Champions Trophy under him? What did you do when India won the Asia Cup under him?" he said.

“Did you say then—you're asking for a sacking now—did you say then that he should be given an extended contract, a contract for life for one day cricket and for T20 cricket? You didn't say that. It's only when a team doesn't do well you look at the coach,” Gavaskar added.

How to watch India vs South Africa, ODI series?

Cricket fans in India can watch the India vs South Africa, ODI series from November 30 on JioHotstar, via OTTplay Premium.

Read Also: India vs South Africa ODIs: When and where to watch in India? How to watch Rohit-Kohli in action?

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