 "Gautam Gambhir has now lost five of his last seven Tests at home as India's head coach. AFP")
Gautam Gambhir continues to be under pressure after India were once again whitewashed in a Test series at home, this time by the world champions in the format South Africa. Indian Test team is going through a tough time and fans are demanding Gambhir to resign from his position as head coach.
Gambhir did defend himself in the press conference after the loss in Guwahati but he remains under fire with India sinking to historic lows in the red ball format. However, criticism of his tactics continues even as some ex-India players have come out in his defence .
Parth Jindal bats for specialist red ball coach
Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal, who is also highly vocal on sports issues, took to X to express his frustration with the poor results of the Test team at home.
“Not even close, what a complete thrashing at home!” Jindal said pointing to India’s loss in the second Test. “Don’t remember seeing our test side being so weak at home!!!This is what happens when red ball specialists are not picked. This team is nowhere near reflective of the deep strength we possess in the red ball format.”
Tagging BCCI, he added: “Time for India to move to a specialist red ball coach for Test cricket.”
READ MORE | 5 horrific decisions by Gautam Gambhir as India’s Test coach
Gambhir played for the Delhi Daredevils, the previous version of the Delhi Capitals, for the first three seasons of the league. He then returned to the side in 2018 before hanging boots.
India have never opted for different coaches for different formats even as other international teams consistently use this method.
The BCCI, meanwhile, isn’t likely to take any stern action against Gambhir anytime soon despite the social media noise from fans for him to be removed as head coach, at least in the Test format.
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View AllIndia next play Test cricket in Sri Lanka in August next year for a two-Test series but before that the team will have to defend the T20 World Cup title in a few months. A slip-up in the home T20 World Cup could further add to Gambhir’s trouble even as the next Test remains far.