India lost at home to South Africa in a two-game Test series in November 2025, and that shocking defeat has led to growing calls for the removal of Gautam Gambhir as head coach.
Critical voices believe India’s home Test record has been too poor in recent months. Defeats against New Zealand and South Africa on home soil heaps immense pressure on Gambhir to vacate his current role.
However, former Test bowling all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin believes sacking Gambhir is not the answer:
“Why are we doing this? It’s a sport. Managing a team cannot be that easy. And yes, he is hurting too. We must understand that. It might feel nice to get someone sacked, but that’s not how it should be,” Ashwin said on “Ash Ki Baat”, his flagship program on YouTube.
Ashwin Believes Mistakes Happen, Calls on Players to Take Responsibility
Ravi Ashwin believes mistakes are inevitable in cricket; however, repeat errors can become too expensive to bear:
“Gautam is not my relative. I could also point out 10 mistakes. Yes, mistakes happen, but anybody can make them. It’s just that when they cost you, they become very expensive,” the retired international said. He seized this opportunity to call on players to take greater responsibility after underperforming on the pitch:
“I haven’t seen enough responsibility taken by enough players to say the coach is the problem… I didn’t see enough from the players’ side to blame decision-making alone. Sure, decision-making can always be better, no doubt,” he added.
Aakash Chopra Blasts Gambhir after Poor Home Showing vs South Africa
Former Team India opener Aakash Chopra was not as lenient as Ashwin while assessing the team’s Test performance under Gambhir:
“Under Gautam Gambhir as coach, India’s Test numbers are not good at all. You don’t have to shy away from it. We have only won two series’ – against Bangladesh and West Indies. We lost to New Zealand, drew in England, lost to Australia and South Africa as well. We have not been able to win against top countries,” Aakash said right after India’s disappointing home defeat against South Africa.
Team India performance at T20 World Cup 2026 will determine Gambhir’s future – Chopra says
Chopra delivered a scathing assessment of Gambhir’s tenure as head coach; however, he stopped short of calling for his sack. He believes India’s performance at the upcoming T20 World Cup will either solidify or weaken Gambhir’s chances of staying on as India’s cricket manager:
“Does that mean you should sack him? India don’t play another Test match for 10 months. In between, there is the T20 World Cup. We are the defending champions and our performance in the T20 World Cup will decide the road ahead. Ahead of the tournament, I would not talk about any big changes. And that includes coaching of Gambhir. T20 World Cup will be a huge test,” Chopra added on YouTube.
Gambhir Says His Sacking is Up to the BCCI, Lists Achievements as Head Coach So Far
Heightened calls for the removal of Gambhir recently got to the head coach’s attention. Gambhir believes India’s cricket board have the final say concerning his job as head coach:
“It is up to BCCI to decide”, Gambhir said while responding to questions. He added that his track record in white-ball cricket and 2 trophies (Asia Cup 2025 and ICC Champions Trophy 2025) should be put into consideration:
“I’m the same guy who got results in England as well, with a young team. And I’m sure you guys will forget very soon because a lot of people keep talking about New Zealand. And I’m the same guy under whom [we] won Champions Trophy and Asia Cup as well,” the coach added.
Virat Kohli Shuts Down Rumours of Test Comeback after Inspiring ODI Ton
Former Team India Test captain Virat Kohli impressed cricket fans with a remarkable ton against South Africa during their ODI series opener on November 30, 2025. The veteran cricketer took balls in their stride at Ranchi and bagged 135 runs from 120 balls to ensure India secured victory.
“I’m playing one form” of cricket – Kohli says amid fans clamouring for his Test return
Fans expressed their desire for a sensational Kohli Test return after his recent ODI century, but the cricket maestro immediately dismissed such calls in a post-game interview:
“As long as my physical levels are up and the mental sharpness is there, then you know it’s fine. I’m 37 and need time for recovery. That’s how it’s always going to be – I’m just playing one form of the game,” Kohli said.
I can still “bat long” – Kohli teases fans after shutting down Test return rumours
Kohli claims he still has the reflexes and abilities to perform only in 50-over cricket after retiring from T20Is and Tests in 2024 and 2025 respectively:
“If you’ve played 300-odd games and so much cricket, you know when you’re hitting balls in practice, you know the reflexes are there and the physical ability is there to bat long. As long as you’re hitting the ball well and playing good cricket, it’s about physically fit, mentally ready and excited,” the star batsman added.
