India’s struggles in Test cricket continued as South Africa sealed a 2-0 series win with a victory in Guwahati on Wednesday. This marked India’s third Test series defeat under head coach Gautam Gambhir in the past 16 months.

During this period, India lost 3-0 at home to New Zealand, were beaten 3-1 in Australia, and now fell to the Proteas. Under Gambhir, India has played 19 Test matches, winning 7, losing 10, and drawing 2. This gives him a win percentage of just 36.82.

BCCI Stands by Gambhir

Despite the poor results, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said it does not plan to replace Gambhir as head coach.

A BCCI official told The Indian Express, “The BCCI will not rush in taking any decision, the team is in a transition phase. As far as coach Gautam Gambhir is concerned, we will not take any decision on him as the World Cup is around the corner and his contract is till the 2027 World Cup. The BCCI will speak to selectors and team management going ahead but there won’t be any knee jerk action.”

Gambhir Responds to Criticism

After the defeat, Gambhir said his future rests with the BCCI.

“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 exactly the same thing,” Gambhir said.

He also reminded critics of his past achievements. “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.