Amid growing scrutiny over India’s declining performance in home Test matches, former BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has firmly dismissed speculation that head coach Gautam Gambhir may be sacked following another defeat on home soil.
India have now lost four home Tests since Gambhir took charge—half of all home defeats in the last decade. Under his tenure, India’s Test record stands at 7 wins, 9 losses, and 2 draws from 18 matches. Despite this, India remain dominant in white-ball formats, especially T20Is, where Gambhir has continued the winning momentum set during Rahul Dravid’s tenure, including the 2024 T20 World Cup triumph.
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Ganguly Rules Out Any Coaching Change
Speaking to Sports Tak, Ganguly said there is “no question” of removing Gambhir at this stage.
“They have to get together and work harder to win Tests. Flat pitches are harder, but the team has shown it can perform, especially during the England tour,” said Ganguly.
He emphasised that the nature of Indian pitches demands patience and adaptability, particularly on Days 4 and 5 when conditions change rapidly.
Criticism of Batting Order, Selection Calls
Ganguly questioned India’s decision to promote all-rounder Washington Sundar to No. 3 in Tests.
“Sundar is a tremendous cricketer, but No. 3 is not his long-term Test position,” he said.
He also criticised the choice to field four spinners in the Eden Gardens Test against South Africa, arguing that stronger batting depth is crucial on turning tracks.
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“Gautam needs to review the composition. You don’t need four spinners in India. Pick your five best batters as the top order.”
Ganguly concluded by expressing confidence that Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill can replicate their England success at home as well.
