India have played 18 Tests under Gambhir, winning seven, losing nine and drawing two.
India's batting struggles on spin-friendly pitches continued as they succumbed to a 30-run defeat in the first Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens inside three days.
The hosts failed to chase a target of 124 on a crumbling surface, getting bowled out for a paltry 93 to concede 1-0 lead to Proteas in a two-Test series.
This was India’s fourth loss in last six home Tests, stretching back to the 0-3 whitewash against New Zealand. They are now facing a must-win situation in Guwahati Test to avoid another series loss at home.
The outcome has put India head coach Gautam Gambhir under scanner. India have played 18 Tests under Gambhir, winning seven, losing nine and drawing two.
Amid mounting pressure of suffering home Test defeats, former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes Gambhir’s exit could be inevitable if the trend continues against top-ranked side.
Kaif suggested that batting legend VVS Laxman could be among the front-runners to replace Gambhir. Laxman, the current head of the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence, has previously worked as a back-up coach of second-string Indian sides during Rahul Dravid’s tenure as chief coach.
“Of course, the pressure is increasing. There is no doubt about it. In previous eras, if you went to Australia, your loss was confirmed, and nobody would feel bad. You lost in Australia or England; it was bound to happen. But loss in India is not acceptable because it’s your fort,” Kaif said on his YouTube channel.
“South Africa breached the fortress, and New Zealand came and produced a whitewash. So, this is increasing pressure, and that is why Laxman’s name will come forward, and other names as well who are near coaching [among contenders],” he added.
Kaif also highlighted the lack of transparency in appointments and called for a clear selection process among India’s coaching staff.
“The main problem is that they ask for applications, and the best option will be called for an interview. We will ask questions and give that role. But a lot of the time, coaches are hired without interviews. In that case, the players who have played 50-60 Tests think there is no certainty. What if we apply and it gets rejected? It’s like humiliation. I am trying to provide service by leaving my work. So, there is a grey area. Everyone knows that,” Kaif stated.
“The deserving guy doesn’t necessarily get hired. When Gambhir became coach, he brought guys like Sitanshu Kotak and Abhishek Nayar. The BCCI allows that. I think there is a need for transparency. Those who have played match-winning in front of one lakh crowd should be backed instead of those who played 3-4 matches and were part of the squad… When Sitanshu Kotak joined, there was no interview,” he further remarked.