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Gautam Gambhir press conference after the defeat against South Africa: Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir is currently going through the most difficult phase of his tenure. He has faced widespread criticism following the recent 0-2 defeat in the home Test series against South Africa. The historic 408-run defeat in the Guwahati Test has further fueled this criticism. The blame for this poor performance is currently being placed on head coach Gambhir.
Struggles in Test cricket under Gambhir's leadership
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Statistically, the Indian team has struggled in Test cricket under Gautam Gambhir's leadership. Of the 18 Test matches played so far during Gambhir's tenure, the team has lost 10.
- This list includes the defeat against New Zealand last year.
- The latest defeat was the 0-2 series loss against South Africa at home.
Gautam Gambhir's press conference after the defeat against South Africa
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When Gautam Gambhir appeared at the press conference after suffering his biggest Test defeat, the media asked him direct and sharp questions. Gambhir responded to these "burning questions" in his characteristic sharp manner.
Also Read: IND vs SA 2nd Test Records: South Africa beat India by 408 runs
'The team won during my tenure': Gambhir's argument
Amidst the fierce attacks on himself, Team India's head coach presented strong arguments in his defense. He clarified that his future rests with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), but he also recalled the successes of his tenure:
"My future rests with the BCCI, but I'm the one who led you to favorable results in England, and I was also the coach in the Champions Trophy."
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Gambhir specifically mentioned India's Champions Trophy title win and the 2-2 series draw against England on home soil earlier this year.
No one is to blame, everyone is responsible
Gautam Gambhir categorically refused to blame any single player or shot for the defeat. He said that everyone is responsible for the poor performance, starting with the head coach himself.
"Everyone is to blame, starting with me. We have to play better. At one point in the first innings, we were 95 for one, which became 122 for seven. This is unacceptable. You can't blame one person or one particular shot. Everyone is to blame. I have never blamed one person, and I will never do so again."
A 'Strong Mindset' is Needed for Test Cricket
Finally, Gambhir stressed the need for mental toughness in players for success in Test cricket.
He said, "You don't need extremely bright and talented cricketers to play Test cricket. We need players with limited skills and a strong mindset. They make good Test cricketers."
Also Read: Top 5 biggest defeats by runs for India in Test Cricket
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