Calls to quit rise, but Gambhir says he’s not going anywhere

GUWAHATI, NOV 25 : Soon after India’s defeat in the two-Test series against South Africa on Wednesday, many cricket fans were left wondering: “Should Gautam Gambhir step down as the team’s head coach?”

But Gambhir showed no inclination to step down. “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,” he said.

Gambhir was speaking after the humiliating 408-run drubbing at the hands of South Africa in the second Test here Wednesday, which gave the visitors a 2-0 series sweep.

Amid the brickbats, he sought to remind his critics of the successes during his tenure as coach.

“I’m the same guy who got results in England with a young team. 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,” Gambhir said.

He was referring to India’s 2-2 draw against the English in their own backyard earlier this year as well as India’s victories in two major white ball tournaments.

Conceding that India’s performance against South Africa was unacceptable, he said, “The blame lies with everyone and starts with me.”

He added, “We need to play better. From 95/1 to 122/7 is not acceptable. You don’t blame any individual or any particular shot. I never blamed individuals and won’t do it going forward.”

Under Gambhir, India have lost 10 of 18 Tests, including twin whitewashes against New Zealand last year and South Africa now, both at home.

India’s defeat against South Africa at Guwahati is their largest in terms of runs in Test cricket.

Gambhir said he wouldn’t give excuses for India’s sorry performance — but then proceeded to do just that, citing the inexperience of the current line-up.

“I don’t give excuses. I’ve never done that in the past. I will never do it in the future as well. But four or five batters in this top eight have literally played less than 15 Tests and they will grow. They are learning on the job and on the field,” he said.

Gambhir said the current Indian batsmen need time to get better. “They need time to keep getting better against quality attacks and against quality sides. Yes, this is a team which has less experience and I’ve said it before as well, they need to keep learning and they’re putting everything possible to turn the tide,” he said.

Gambhir has of late attracted criticism for frequent changes in the team and his inclination to focus more on all-rounders than specialists in the traditional format. While the Indian batsmen may get more time, whether he himself will be granted it remains to be seen.

-PTI