IND vs SA second Test | Indian cricket is important, Im not: Gambhir on his future

India coach Gautam Gambhir has now presided over two Test series defeats at home since he took over last year.

After losing to New Zealand 0-3 in 2024, India went down to South Africa 0-2 with a massive 408-run loss in the second Test at the ACA Stadium here on Wednesday.

When asked if he was the right man for the job, at least for the longer format, Gambhir put the ball in the BCCI’s court but was quick to point to his successes.

“It is up to the BCCI to decide. I have said it during my first press conference when I took over as the head coach that Indian cricket is important, I’m not important. And I sit here and say the same thing,” said Gambhir, under whom India has lost 10 out of 19 Tests.

“People can keep forgetting, but I’m the same guy who got results in England (2-2 Test series draw), with a young team. I’m sure you guys will forget very soon because a lot of people keep talking about New Zealand. I’m the same guy, under whom [we] won the Champions Trophy and Asia Cup as well,” he added.

He also explained that the team was undergoing a transition in both batting and bowling departments and called for patience.

“I don’t think ever in Indian cricket, something like this has happened where the transition is happening in the spin bowling and batting department. So all of us need to give them time. I am sure they have got the skill, talent and ability. Consistency will come with experience. When they play in difficult situations, eventually they will deliver.”

Commenting on the defeat, Gambhir termed the batting collapse in the first innings as unacceptable.

“We need to apply [ourselves] better. At one stage, we were 95 for one. From there to 122 for seven, it is not acceptable,” said Gambhir.

“We have seen these collapses in the past as well. Someone needs to put their hand up and say that I am going to stop this [collapse],” he emphasised.