Reports: BCCI unhappy with Gautam Gambhir’s post-match comments

Head coach Gautam Gambhir has been under immense pressure after India’s 30-run defeat to South Africa in the first Test at Eden Gardens. According to multiple reports, the BCCI is unhappy with Gambhir’s post-match comments about the Kolkata pitch. While the board is not taking immediate action, Gambhir’s tenure is now being closely watched, and the 2026 T20 World Cup at home is reportedly his make-or-break moment.

India’s loss in Kolkata continued a trend of having now lost three consecutive home Test series. The Eden Gardens pitch, made of black soil, became a major talking point after India were bowled out for just 93 in the fourth innings. Instead of criticising the surface, Gambhir praised it, calling it the type of pitch the team had asked for.

His public defence of the pitch has not gone down well with BCCI officials, especially with questions about India’s red-ball performance.

According to an NDTV report, the BCCI is displeased with Gambhir’s statements at the press conference. His comments were seen as unnecessary at a time when fans and experts were already criticising the team’s flaws and lack of temperament against spin and bounce.

“The BCCI is not exactly pleased with India head coach Gautam Gambhir’s forthright comments on the Kolkata pitch following the team’s recent Test defeat to South Africa, even as the board stops short of taking any immediate action. Sources indicate that while Gambhir is likely to remain in charge for now due to a “lack of alternatives”, his position could come under scrutiny later this year, particularly if India underperforms in the T20 World Cup at home,” the report read.

BCCI to conduct performance review with Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar

Sources quoted in reports said that although Gambhir will remain coach for now due to a lack of alternatives, his position is not completely secure. The board is expected to conduct a performance review with Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar at the end of the South Africa white-ball series.

Notably, the BCCI is clear that Gambhir’s future depends heavily on India’s showing in the 2026 T20 World Cup, which will be hosted at home. Despite the team’s poor Test form, the head coach is still trusted for his white-ball results, including the Champions Trophy and Asia Cup wins. But failure in the T20 World Cup could push the board to rethink his role.

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