Don’t Forget, I’m The Same Guy Who Got Results In England With A Young Team: Gambhir

In the aftermath of the side’s humiliating whitewash at home at the hands of South Africa, Gautam Gambhir aggressively defended his position as head coach, claiming that people are quick to forget victories, pointing to India’s 2-2 draw away in England four months back.

Under Gambhir, India have an appalling Test record, winning just 7 out of 19 Tests while losing 10 games. Last year, they lost a home Test series after 12 years and now, South Africa’s 2-0 win means that the team has endured two home whitewashes in as many years. 

Many believe Gambhir’s position as head coach, at least in Tests, has become untenable, but the 44-year-old defended himself in the post-match press conference.

"People can keep forgetting, but I'm the same guy who got the results in England as well, with a young team,” Gambhir said after the record-loss in Guwahati.

“And you guys will forget very soon, because a lot of you will keep talking about New Zealand. But I'm the same guy who won the Champions Trophy and Asia Cup as well.”

When asked if he believes he is the right man for the job, Gambhir stated that it’s up to the BCCI to decide.

"It is up to the BCCI to decide,” Gambhir said of his position as head coach. 

“I said it in the first press conference I took over as head coach that Indian cricket is important and I'm not important. And I sit here telling the same thing.”

Under Gambhir, India have now lost five of their last seven home Tests. Earlier this year, the team also lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in 11 years. Overall, they have only won series against West Indies and Bangladesh, and both at home. The team is currently fifth in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings, below Pakistan.