Under fire after Test debacle, Gautam Gambhir lives to fight another day as India clinch ODI series vs South Africa

India head coach Gautam Gambhir appeared relieved but had fire in his eyes and certain conviction in his voice as he didn't hold back in what was a fiery presser after India thrashed South Africa by 9 wickets in the 3rd ODI to clinch the three-match series 2-1. Gambhir responded to his critics in his usual fashion, also singling out an unnamed 'IPL team owner'.

Gambhir slammed him for suggesting a specialist red-ball coach for India, advising him not to interfere in what the Indian coach believes is not the IPL owner's domain. It was an indirect attack on Delhi Capitals (DC) co-owner Parth Jindal, who had suggested a red-ball coach after India's 2-0 drubbing in the Test series against the Proteas at home. Without naming him, Gambhir made it clear that split coaching is unlikely for India anytime soon.

As a sports fan and a businessman who has contributed significantly towards building a robust sporting infrastructure in the country, Jindal was well within his rights, like millions of cricket fans in India, to suggest an idea of a change. However, his suggestion certainly didn't sit well with Gambhir, who chose to respond despite not being asked for his reaction to Jindal's suggestion.

It was quintessential Gambhir. Someone who has never shied away from picking battles. While many would argue the Indian head coach should not have targeted the DC co-owner, Gambhir's comments in his presser made it clear that the Indian coach will not shy away from calling individuals out.

Gambhir insisted he is aware of his team's shortcomings in Test cricket, but once again reiterated that India are in a transition in the longest format. Not too long back, Gambhir was on the firing line after his team's 2-0 debacle in the Test series. While he deserved a fair share of blame for his tactics and selections, Gambhir argued not having captain Shubman Gill available in both matches played a huge role in India's defeat.

There were questions raised about Gambhir's future as India's head coach after the hosts lost 2-0 in the Test series against South Africa at home last month. It marked India's second Test series whitewash at home under Gambhir. India. who were once a dominant force at home, have lost five out of their seven Tests at home under the current India head coach.

The pressure was immense on Gambhir heading into the ODI series against South Africa. The Proteas doubled it after beating India by 4 wickets in the 2nd ODI to stand on the cusp of another series victory. However, India thrashed the visitors by 9 wickets in the third and final ODI on Saturday to win the ODI series 2-1 and hand Gambhir a new lease of life.

Gambhir has tasted tremendous success in white-ball cricket since taking over as India's head coach last year. However, the ODI series victory against South Africa would feel different as it has come at a crucial time for the India head coach. With his position on the firing line, the ODI series victory has given Gambhir a chance to curb the criticism and live to fight anothe day.

Had South Africa managed to claim victory in the third ODI in Vizag on Saturday, they would have become the first team since Pakistan in 1987 to win a Test series and ODI series against India in India on the same tour. A defeat could have proved fatal for Gambhir's coaching career as it would have nearly made his position untenable.

However, the crucial series victory means Gambhir can approach the upcoming T20I series against South Africa with renewed confidence and reduced pressure. With the T20 World Cup less than a couple of months away, the India head coach will be hoping to ensure India continue their momentum in T20Is under skipper Suryakumar Yadav. The T20I series will get underway on Tuesday, December 09.