Will Gautam Gambhir get sacked? BCCI not happy with head coachs press conference comments
BCCI is reportedly unhappy with Gautam Gambhir's comments on Kolkata pitch following India's cruhsing defeat against South Africa at the Eden Gardens. The board will conduct a broader review regarding the decline in India's performances in Tests.
Amid questions over his future, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly unhappy with head coach Gautam Gambhir's comments on the Eden Gardens pitch following India's crushing defeat against South Africa in the 1st Test at the Eden Gardens. India suffered a 30-run defeat in Kolkata, before suffering a humiliating 408-run defeat in the 2nd Test in Guwahati to lose the two-match Test series 2-0.
It was India's second Test series whitewash at home under Gambhir as the head coach faced intense criticism from all corners over poor team selection, tactics and the team's overall performance. Many also raised doubts over Gambhir's long term future, considering India's dramatic slump in Test cricket under him.
As per a report in the Hindustan Times, BCCI is not happy with Gambhir's comments on the Kolkata pitch, which came under criticism from all corners with the batters from both sides struggling on a rank turner. Gambhir had defended the pitch, stating that it was exactly what the Indian team had asked for. He put the team's failure down to the batting line-up's inability to adapt to the conditions.
His comments didn't go down well with the top officials at BCCI, causing a flutter within the board. However, as per the report, Gambhir is expected to remain in charge for now due to 'lack of alternatives'. But the India head coach's position came under scrutiny if India don't perform well in the T20 World Cup at home next year.
BCCI to conduct review over India's Test decline, but no split coaching
As per the report, BCCI is also expected to continue a broader review of India's decline in Test cricket ever since Gambhir took over as the head coach of the side last year. Under him, India have lost five of their last seven home Test matches, including whitewashes against South Africa and New Zealand.
However, the idea of split coaching is still not seen viable. As per the report, BCCI opting for split coaching looks 'far fetched' for now. The board is also aware that there are limited alternatives available if they are to sack Gambhir. However, things can change if India don't deliver in the T20 World Cup next year.
"There will be deeper conversations after the white-ball season," a BCCI official was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times, hinting that serious discussions about Gambhir's future will take place depending on India's performance in the T20 World Cup next year.