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Following India’s first-ever home Test series whitewash by New Zealand, head coach Gautam Gambhir faces scrutiny from BCCI. His role and powers may be reevaluated.
The BCCI is considering significant changes to the Indian cricket team’s management
India suffered their first-ever 0-3 whitewash. Gautam Gambhir, appointed head coach in July, has drawn criticism for recent performance issues, with losses in both this series and a prior ODI series in Sri Lanka.
Reports indicate that the upcoming Australia tour will likely be Gambhir’s last chance to prove his strategies effective.
Since Gambhir’s tenure began, questions have arisen about his influence over team selection, a responsibility typically reserved for selectors.
For the pivotal Border-Gavaskar series against Australia, Gambhir was given an exception, allowing him a voice in squad selection.
However, with the recent defeat, BCCI sources suggest that his powers may be curtailed if there isn’t a marked improvement in the team’s performance.
Tactical Decisions Under Scrutiny
Gambhir’s strategic choices during the New Zealand series have faced heavy criticism.
Notably, he advocated for a rank turner pitch in the Mumbai Test, despite the team’s struggles with spin—a move that backfired when India was bowled out cheaply.
Additionally, sending Mohammed Siraj as a night-watchman and batting Sarfaraz Khan lower in the order were choices that left fans and analysts questioning his tactical depth.
These decisions contributed to India’s historic series defeat, placing Gambhir under increased pressure.
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Gambhir’s Influence on Selection
Under BCCI rules, head coaches traditionally don’t participate in player selection.
“Gautam Gambhir was given access which his predecessors Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid didn’t have. The BCCI’s rule book doesn’t allow coaches to be a part of the selection committee meetings, but for Australia tour selection meeting, an exception was made.
“The head coach was allowed to attend considering the magnitude of the tour,” a senior BCCI source told PTI on the condition of anonymity.
However, Gambhir’s influence was granted in recent cases, notably advocating for Suryakumar Yadav as T20I captain and selecting untested players like Harshit Rana for the Australia series.
As the BCCI reflects on this shift in protocol, the board may revert to its traditional policies, ensuring that selectors retain control, particularly if India’s performance does not improve in upcoming fixtures.
With the Australia series crucial to India’s chances of making the World Test Championship final, Gambhir’s future as head coach may hinge on the team’s ability to rise to the challenge.
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