Gambhir under fire as home record stumbles
India’s loss to South Africa at Eden Gardens has reignited scrutiny over the team’s Test match strategies and the tenure of head coach Gautam Gambhir. Once nearly invincible at home, India has now suffered four Test defeats under Gambhir, with the latest exposing cracks in both planning and performance.
Despite the mounting criticism, former captain and BCCI president Sourav Ganguly remains supportive of the current regime. In an exclusive interview with India Today’s Rajdeep Sardesai, he stated, “There’s no question of sacking Gautam Gambhir at this stage, but there is no question that they have to get together and work hard to win Test matches because on flat pitches it’s a lot harder.”
Ganguly also pointed to India’s recent success in England, praising the combination of Gambhir’s coaching and Shubman Gill’s leadership. “Gautam as a coach and Shubman as a captain did exceptionally well on flat England pitches, and I firmly believe they can do well in India as well,” he said.
However, the former skipper was not without critique. He questioned the team’s decisions on player roles and team balance. “They must look at the batting order. I have a lot of time for Washington Sundar, I think he’s a tremendous cricketer, but I’m not sure number 3 is his position to play in the long term in Test cricket.”
Ganguly also addressed India’s spin-heavy strategy at Eden Gardens, cautioning against over-reliance on turners. “That’s the area Gautam needs to look at, he doesn’t need four spinners in India. When it spins and spinners can bowl 25-30 overs, you don’t need four spinners. Keep your best 5 batters as your top 5 batsmen,” he advised.
The Eden Gardens pitch controversy
Much of the current debate centers around the pitch used in the first Test against South Africa, with many pointing fingers at the surface’s excessive turn and inconsistent bounce. Ganguly distanced himself from the preparation process, stating clearly, “I don’t get involved in that at all.”
He emphasized the role of BCCI-appointed ground staff, saying, “The BCCI curators take over the wickets four days before the Test. Our own curator, Sujan Mukherjee, has been excellent for many years. The team puts in its requests, and those requests are followed. That’s all there is to it.”
Still, Ganguly acknowledged the quality of the pitch left much to be desired. “It wasn’t the greatest pitch, I must admit,” he conceded. “The top order and middle order deserved a better surface. Eden was full for three days, and I genuinely believe that Gautam Gambhir and his team should play on pitches far better than what they got.”
Curator Sujan Mukherjee, speaking to Times Now Bangla, defended his work and affirmed that the pitch was prepared to the specifications provided. “I know everyone is questioning this pitch. Honestly, I know how to prepare a pitch for a Test. That’s exactly what I did. I did it as instructed. I don’t think about what others say. Not everyone knows everything. So I do my job with dedication, and I want to continue doing that in the future as well.”
Rising pressure and questions of succession
As defeats pile up, the calls for accountability are growing louder. Former India batter Mohammad Kaif, speaking on his YouTube channel, framed the current crisis in stark terms. “Of course, the pressure is increasing. There is no doubt about it. In previous eras, if you went to Australia, your loss was confirmed, and nobody would feel bad. You lost in Australia or England; it was bound to happen. But loss in India is not acceptable because it’s your fort.”
Kaif suggested that if results don’t improve, coaching alternatives could gain traction. “South Africa breached the fortress, and New Zealand came and produced a whitewash. So, this is increasing pressure, and that is why Laxman’s name will come forward, and other names as well who are near coaching [among contenders].”
He also criticized the lack of transparency in how appointments are made within the coaching setup. “The main problem is that they ask for applications, and the best option will be called for an interview. We will ask questions and give that role. But a lot of the time, coaches are hired without interviews. In that case, the players who have played 50-60 Tests think there is no certainty. What if we apply and it gets rejected? It’s like humiliation. I am trying to provide service by leaving my work. So, there is a grey area. Everyone knows that.”
Kaif highlighted the appointment of Sitanshu Kotak as a case in point. “The deserving guy doesn’t necessarily get hired. When Gambhir became coach, he brought guys like Sitansu Kotak and Abhishek Nayar. The BCCI allows that. I think there is a need for transparency. Those who have played match-winning in front of one lakh crowd should be backed instead of those who played 3-4 matches and were part of the squad… When Sitansu Kotak joined, there was no interview.”
Uthappa questions planning, pace depth, and long-term goals
Adding another layer to the growing critique, former India player Robin Uthappa has also weighed in on the team’s current setup. His concern centers around the team’s overburdened calendar and unclear roadmap. “Visiting teams play lesser cricket than India and have far more time for preparation. There is too much cricket happening,” he said on his YouTube channel.
Uthappa emphasized the need for realism and long-term clarity. “You are going with one size fits all and trying to produce results. There needs to be a sense of realism about the goal for the next two years.”
He flagged India’s ongoing struggle to find a consistent third pacer to support Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, particularly in overseas conditions. “Yes, you want to get to the WTC final, but is this team ready to get there? Who is really effective outside of Bumrah and Siraj? We are missing a third pacer. They are trying out a bunch of guys. In all honesty, we don’t have a confirmed third fast bowler.”
According to Uthappa, lack of strategic planning also stems from India not having fixed home Test venues. “India don’t have Test centres as a country. You are randomly playing Tests everywhere and trying to produce results in your favour. That takes away from the larger goal.”
He also referenced former captain Virat Kohli’s earlier stance on this issue. “Virat spoke of this when he also captained and India are missing home advantage by playing at random venues.”
All eyes on Guwahati as India seek redemption
India now face a must-win Test in Guwahati to level the series 1-1 against South Africa and prevent their first home series defeat to the Proteas since 2000. With coaching scrutiny intensifying, selection dilemmas unresolved, and structural planning under the scanner, the second Test has become a critical juncture not just in the series—but potentially for the direction of Indian cricket’s red-ball ambitions.
