Head coach Gautam Gambhir is facing heavy pressure after India’s 30-run defeat to South Africa in the first Test at Eden Gardens. The loss has raised fresh questions over India’s red-ball form at home. This was India’s third straight home Test series defeat. The pitch at Kolkata became a major point of debate after India were bowled out for just 93 in the fourth innings.
Instead of blaming the surface, Gambhir defended the pitch in the post-match press conference. He said it was the type of pitch the team had asked for. However, this public stand has not gone down well with the BCCI. According to several reports, the board is unhappy with his remarks at a time when fans and experts are already criticising India’s poor temperament against spin and bounce.
BCCI unhappy with Gautam Gambhir’s pitch comments, future linked to ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
An NDTV report revealed the board’s reaction to Gambhir’s statements. The report said, “The BCCI is not exactly pleased with India head coach Gautam Gambhir’s forthright comments on the Kolkata pitch following the team’s recent Test defeat to South Africa, even as the board stops short of taking any immediate action. Sources indicate that while Gambhir is likely to remain in charge for now due to a “lack of alternatives”, his position could come under scrutiny later this year, particularly if India underperforms in the T20 World Cup at home,” the report read.
Sources also said that Gambhir’s role is not fully secure. While no immediate action is expected, the BCCI plans to hold a performance review soon. The review will include Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. It is expected to take place after the South Africa white-ball series.
The board is clear on one thing. Gambhir’s long-term future depends heavily on India’s performance in the 2026 T20 World Cup, which will be played at home. The tournament is being seen as a make-or-break event for the coach.
Despite the recent Test failures, Gambhir still has the board’s confidence in white-ball cricket. Under his watch, India have enjoyed success in major tournaments like the Champions Trophy and Asia Cup. These results have worked in his favour so far.
However, the repeated struggles in Test cricket at home have become a serious concern. The BCCI is closely monitoring the situation. A poor showing in the 2026 T20 World Cup could force the board to rethink Gambhir’s future as head coach.
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