India suffered a heavy 408-run defeat against South Africa in the second Test at Guwahati, resulting in a 2-0 series whitewash at home.
This loss marked the heaviest defeat by runs for India on home soil and signified a second consecutive home series whitewash during Gautam Gambhir's tenure as the head coach. The Indian team struggled with form, focus, and stability amid a significant transition phase due to retirements of top players like Ashwin, Kohli, and Rohit Sharma. South Africa dominated with disciplined cricket, forcing India into a meek collapse in both Tests.
The situation for Gautam Gambhir has become intensely precarious as he faces growing calls for removal after failing to prevent India from such historic home defeats. Despite the
pressure, Gambhir accepted responsibility publicly and maintained that decisions were made in the team's best interest, leaving his fate to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
There have been calls for Gambhir's sacking and many reports also claimed the arrival of VVS Laxman at the helm, which may be only a matter of time. Amid this, a report from NDTV claims that Gambhir is likely to remain India head coach for the next few months.
"We are not looking to replace Gautam Gambhir at the moment. He is rebuilding a team. His contract runs till the 2027 World Cup," a BCCI source was quoted as saying by NDTV.
"There will be a meeting between team management and selectors at the end of the South Africa tour. Gambhir will be asked how to pick up the test team's performance while transitioning," it added.
Gambhir has provided decent results for India in terms of white ball cricket. The Indian team won the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year, while they lifted the Asia Cup T20 title as well. Hence Gambhir's throne is expected to be safe, at least till the T20 World Cup next year.
