India head coach Gautam Gambhir
Credit: Reuters Photo
Following India's humiliating 408-run defeat to South Africa in Guwahati that resulted in a 2-0 white-wash, head coach Gautam Gambhir said it was up to the BCCI to decide his future. He also reminded what the team had achieved during his one-and-half year tenure.
"It is for the BCCI to decide. I have said this before as well, Indian cricket is important, I am not important. I am the same guy who got results in England, won the Champions Trophy, and the Asia Cup. This is a team which is learning," Gambhir said at the post-match press conference following the drubbing.
Further, the former India opener said that everyone was to blame for the performance, starting with himself.
"The blame lies with everyone and starts with me," Gambhir said.
"We need to play better. From 95/1 to 122/7 is not acceptable. You don't blame any individual or any particular shot. Blame lies with everyone. I never blamed individuals and won't do it going forward," he added.
India's performance in Test cricket has dwindled under Gambhir, having lost 10 of the 18 Tests, including twin home whitewashes against New Zealand last year and South Africa now.
The 408-run defeat is India's largest in terms of runs in Test cricket, be it home or away.
Gambhir was also criticised by former cricketers Venkatesh Prasad and Anil Kumble who said such performances were a result of frequent changes in the team and the coach's inclination to focus more on all-rounders than specialists in the traditional format.
However, Gambhir said Test cricket needs tough characters with limited skills.
"You don't need the most flamboyant and talented cricketers to play Test cricket. What we need is tough characters with limited skills. They make good Test cricketers," Gambhir said.