Gambhir’s future as India Test coach has once again become a topic of debate.
India suffered their second home Test series whitewash in as many years as South Africa handed them a humiliating 408-run defeat in Guwahati on Wednesday (November 26).
After setting India a gigantic target of 549 on Day 4, the Proteas bundled out the hosts for 140 in the final innings, needing little more than a single session on the final day to complete the emphatic victory.
As India succumbed to their biggest ever Test defeat in terms of runs, the crowd at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium was left fuming. The venue was hosting its first Test match, and the fans had to witness such a listless performance from the home side.
Agitated by the result, the spectators booed the Indian head coach, chanting, ‘Gautam Gambhir Haye Haye’, in unison.
In one of the videos, India pacer Mohammed Siraj and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak were seen asking the crowd to behave.
While Siraj was gesturing with his finger to stop booing, Kotak was heard saying: "Jisne team India ke liye itna kuch Kiya aap use aise bol Rahe hai".
Following this embarrassing whitewash, Gautam Gambhir’s future as India Test coach has once again become a topic of debate.
In the post-match presser, Gambhir was asked if he was the right man for the job and he replied by saying that it was up to the BCCI to decide his future.
“It is up to the BCCI to decide. I’ve said it in my first press conference when I took over as the head coach. Indian cricket is important, I’m not important. And I sit here and say the same thing," Gambhir told reporters.
“And yes, people can keep forgetting about it. I’m the same guy who got results in England as well, with a young team. And I’m sure you guys will forget very soon, because a lot of people keep talking about New Zealand (home series whitewash last year). And I’m the same guy who won the Champions Trophy, and Asia Cup as well," he added.