Guwahati, November 26, 2025: India head coach Gautam Gambhir said the Board of Control for Cricket in India would determine whether he continues in the role, as pressure mounted after the team’s 408-run loss to South Africa in Guwahati on Wednesday — their heaviest Test defeat by runs.
Gambhir, speaking after the visitors completed a 2–0 sweep, acknowledged India’s slide but also pointed to earlier achievements during his tenure. “It is up to the BCCI to decide my future,” he said. “But I am the same guy who got you results in England and was coach for the Champions Trophy.”
He accepted responsibility for the collapse that saw India fall from 95/1 to 122/7. “The blame lies with everyone and starts with me,” he said. “I never blamed individuals and won’t do it going forward.”
India have now lost 10 of their 18 Tests under Gambhir, including back-to-back home whitewashes against New Zealand last year and now South Africa. Critics have questioned his constant chopping and changing and his preference for all-rounders over specialist players.
Gambhir defended his long-term approach. “You don’t need the most flamboyant cricketers to play Test cricket,” he said. “What we need is tough characters with limited skills. They make good Test cricketers.”
