“I’m not important, Indian Cricket is”: Gambhir responds to calls for resignation

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has said that the decision regarding his future lies entirely with the BCCI, following India’s 0-2 Test series loss to South Africa. India suffered a 408-run defeat in Guwahati, their worst Test loss by runs, intensifying questions around Gambhir’s tenure and the team’s decline in red-ball cricket.

Gambhir reminded that since taking charge after Rahul Dravid, India has achieved significant success in white-ball formats, winning both the Champions Trophy and the Asia Cup. He acknowledged the Test losses but stressed that he had also guided India to a strong showing in England with a young squad. “Indian cricket is important; I am not,” he reiterated at the post-match press conference.

When asked if he remains the right man for the job, Gambhir took responsibility but pointed to the transition phase in the Test side. He highlighted that several senior players, including Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin, have retired from Tests, leaving India with a largely inexperienced batting order.

Gambhir said that four to five players in the current top eight have played fewer than 15 Test matches and are still learning at the highest level. He rejected comparisons between the South Africa and New Zealand losses, stating the squads were vastly different in experience and composition. “We win together and lose together. There are no excuses,” he said.