BCCI mulling to take strict action against Gautam Gambhir following an annihilating series whitewash

Gautam Gambhir has found himself in the eye of the storm lately following a crashing Test series defeat at the hands of the Kiwis. Under his mentorship, India has gone on to register some embarrassing records. From losing an ODI series for the first time to Sri Lanka in 27 years to being whitewashed in a three or more match series at home, Gambhir has let himself and his team down badly.

While the players have been at the epicenter of heightened criticism, Gambhir’s role in the recently concluded New Zealand test series is also being reviewed under a microscope. According to emerging reports from PTI, Gambhir’s fate as the Indian head team coach depends on how his side fares in the forthcoming India tour to Australia later this month. 

In the upcoming five-match Test series, the wounded Indian team would not only look to retain their title but also compete fiercely to get back in the WTC race. After a horrendous 0-3 defeat, India’s standing in the WTC points table has been severely jeopardized. 

So what does the BCCI plan to do now?

As per BCCI guidelines, head coaches have no role to play in team selection. Gambhir’s predecessors, Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid long advised the board to involve the head coach in selection matters. But their requests were turned down, however, an expectation was made in Gambhir’s case considering the importance of the Australia tour.

It is this special power that the BCCI is likely to snatch from Gambhir unless there is a remarkable change in fortunes for team India. The report further states that amidst such a disastrous tenure, Gambhir may not be given a free hand in selection matters any longer. Moreover, the report also points out some major concerns against the 43-year-old. 

Gambhir’s inclination towards having a rank turner at a time when the Indian batters have been in woeful form against the spin to send Siraj as a nightwatchman, a move that triggered a collapse late on day one, are some of the major concerns that were highlighted in the report. 

Gambhir has been significantly involved in the selection process since his appointment in July this year. His presence contributed to Suryakumar Yadav's ascension over Hardik Pandya in the competition for the T20I captaincy of India following Rohit Sharma's retirement from this format. Moreover, Gambhir made some heads turn when he expressed his desire to handpick Harshit Rana for the Australia Test series despite having played only nine First-Class games.