BCCI’s First Reaction On Removing Head Coach Gambhir

The humiliating defeat against South Africa on home turf has sparked debate on the future of Indian Cricket Team head coach Gautham Gambhir. When Gambhir took over as coach for men’s team, India was near invincible at home. However, the drubbing in the hands of New Zealand last year and now by South Africa have squarely pointed the blame on Gambhir. 

After losing the second test against SA on Wednesday, Gambhir at press conference stated that BCCI will take a decision about his further association with the team. This statement gave raise to widespread speculation that the management will axe Gambhir immediately. But, the latest reports suggest the other way. 

Reportedly, BCCI is no mood to take any immediate decisions after the dismal home performance of the team. Close sources to the board informed there won’t be any knee jerk reactions over the defeat. Gambhir is likely to continue as head coach until the end of his contract period which will last till 2027. As the ODI World Cup is less than 2 years away, BCCI seems to have decided not to take any sweeping decisions with regard to replacement of coach or selectors. 

“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,” a BCCI official was quoted by a national media. 

Despite growing demands from supporters that Gambhir should be immediately sacked, BCCI appears to be unperturbed and has full trust on Gambhir and the rest of the management. Though Gambhir mentioned that his future is in the hands of BCCI during the post match conference, it is unlikely that he will be removed as the board feels this is a transition phase.