“The blame lies with everyone and starts with me” - Gautam Gambhir opens up after Test series defeat to South Africa

Head Coach Gautam Gambhir accepted full accountability for India's Test series loss to South Africa, stating, "The blame lies with everyone and starts with me." The statement aims to shield the players and focuses on the collective failure and the need for immediate structural changes.

27 Nov 2025 14:17 IST

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Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir, who has been facing sharp criticism amid India’s Test series defeat to South Africa at home, has stated that the Indian team requires a collective effort if Test cricket is to flourish in the country.

Speaking in the post-match press conference, Gambhir asserted that blaming the players or support staff wouldn’t work. Furthermore, he also opened up on his future in the Indian cricket team as a head coach, stating that it’s up to the BCCI to decide his position.

“If we want Test cricket to flourish in India, we need a collective effort. Just blaming players or support staff won't help. And we can't put things under the carpet. If you score in white-ball cricket and then forget red-ball responsibilities, that should never happen,” Gambhir said in the post-match press conference.

"It is up to the BCCI to decide my future. But I am the same guy who got you results in England and was the coach for the Champions Trophy. The blame lies with everyone and starts with me," he added.

"We need to play better. From 95/1 to 122/7 is not acceptable. You don't blame any individual or any particular shot. Blame lies with everyone. I never blamed individuals and won't do it going forward," he noted.

It’s important to note that under Gautam Gambhir, India suffered 10 defeats in a total of 18 Tests. Interestingly, India suffered two consecutive home Test defeats to New Zealand and South Africa.

"You don't need the most flamboyant and talented cricketers to play Test cricket. What we need are tough characters with limited skills. They make good Test cricketers," he concluded.

With the 408-run drubbing, India slid down to the fifth rank in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 standings. Pakistan is occupying the fourth rank on the table.

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