India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir is reportedly set to face a review by the BCCI following India’s unexpected 0-3 home series loss to New Zealand, according to The Times of India. Despite India’s historical home-ground advantage, the team struggled, leading the BCCI to re-evaluate the decisions taken since Gambhir assumed his role.
One focal point of the review is the team’s request for rank turners after an initial defeat to New Zealand in Bengaluru, where seam-friendly conditions were blamed for India’s loss. This marked a return to spinner-friendly pitches, despite a shift in strategy earlier in the year when India defeated England 4-1 on more balanced tracks. “The decision to go back to rank turners caught a few people in the board by surprise. The new support staff under Gautam Gambhir will be asked about their vision for taking the team forward,” a source told TOI.
The BCCI has reportedly been accommodating Gambhir’s preferences, appointing his choice of support staff, including Abhishek Nayar, Morne Morkel, and Ryan ten Doeschate. Moreover, Gambhir was granted access to the selection meeting for the upcoming Australia tour, a rare exception in BCCI’s policy, which traditionally excludes coaches from these discussions. “Gautam Gambhir was given access which his predecessors Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid didn’t have… The head coach was allowed to attend considering the magnitude of the tour,” noted PTI.
The review meeting, expected to include Gambhir, captain Rohit Sharma, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar, will likely address Gambhir’s demands and explore the team’s roadmap moving forward.