BCCI Refuses to Sack Gautam Gambhir Despite India’s 7th Home Test Loss in 9 Matches

India have now lost 7 out of their last 9 home Tests, including series defeats to New Zealand, Australia, and now South Africa, raising serious questions about the team’s red-ball performance under Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma.

BCCI Backs Gautam Gambhir Till 2027 World Cup

According to senior BCCI officials quoted by *The Indian Express*, the board is treating the current phase as a “transition period” and will not rush into any coaching change.

“The BCCI will not rush in taking any decision. The team is in a transition phase… we will not take any decision on Gautam Gambhir as the World Cup is around the corner and his contract is till the 2027 World Cup,” a top official said.

Gambhir was appointed India head coach in July 2024 after Rahul Dravid stepped down post the T20 World Cup victory. His contract runs until the end of the 2027 ODI World Cup.

R Ashwin Strongly Defends Gautam Gambhir

Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who announced his Test retirement earlier this year, came out in strong support of Gambhir on his YouTube channel *‘Ash Ki Baat’*.

“It is not right to demand Gautam Gambhir’s dismissal at this time. When players have not taken adequate responsibility, why are we doing this? Managing a team is not easy. Dismissing someone may feel good, but it shouldn’t be like that,” Ashwin said.

He added, “I can point out 10 mistakes too, anyone can make mistakes, but sometimes mistakes prove costly. This is not about supporting a relative – Gautam Gambhir is not my relative.”

India Out of WTC Final Race? Elimination Threat Looms Large

The 0-2 series defeat has pushed India down the World Test Championship (WTC) points table, with reports suggesting the team has slipped below Pakistan and faces near-certain elimination from the WTC 2025-27 final race.

Gautam Gambhir Takes Full Responsibility

After the Guwahati Test debacle, Gambhir refused to hide behind excuses:

“Everyone in that dressing room, starting with me… the responsibility lies with everyone sitting in that room. From 95/1 to 120/7 – losing 6 wickets for nothing was the turning point,” the coach admitted.

No Indian batter managed a single century across the two Tests, and repeated batting collapses on turning tracks exposed technical flaws against spin and seam.

What’s Next for Team India?

The BCCI is likely to hold a detailed review meeting with selectors and team management after the South Africa series, but major changes – including any decision on Gautam Gambhir or captaincy – are not expected in the immediate future.

With the Champions Trophy 2025 and a packed international calendar ahead, the board is prioritizing stability over panic reactions.