Gautam Gambhir to Face BCCI Questions Over India’s Whitewash Against New Zealand

Gautam Gambhir , the head coach of India’s men’s cricket team, is reportedly under review by the BCCI following India’s recent 0-3 series loss to New Zealand on home soil. Despite India's history and the advantage of playing on familiar grounds, the series ended in a disappointing whitewash, prompting the board to examine recent decisions made by Gambhir and his team.

As reported by The Times of India, the scrutiny centers around India’s shift to using spin-friendly pitches , a departure from their earlier strategy against England when they won 4-1 on more balanced surfaces. India’s demand for rank turners reportedly came after they were defeated by New Zealand in the first Test in Bengaluru, where the conditions favored seam and swing bowling.

“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," TOI quoted a source as saying.

It is also reported that Gambhir’s preferences have largely shaped the current team’s support staff, with appointments like Abhishek Nayar, Morne Morkel, and Ryan ten Doeschate fulfilling his requests.

Moreover, Gambhir attended a recent selection meeting for the upcoming Australia tour, which has raised questions within the board. “The BCCI has agreed to every demand of Gambhir so far," the source noted. “He has been given a support staff of his choice despite BCCI’s policy of promoting coaches they have groomed through NCA’s programme. He has also been allowed to attend the selection meeting to pick the team for the Australia tour. The board may have to revisit its decisions and ask Gambhir for a roadmap."

The BCCI review meeting, expected to include captain Rohit Sharma , Gambhir, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar, will address these issues and discuss the strategic direction for the team.

Previously, news agency PTI highlighted that Gambhir was granted special permission to attend the Australia tour selection meeting—a privilege not extended to his predecessors Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid. “Gautam Gambhir was given access which his predecessors Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid didn’t have. The BCCI’s rule book doesn’t allow coaches to be a part of the selection committee meetings, but for the Australia tour selection meeting, an exception was made. The head coach was allowed to attend considering the magnitude of the tour," PTI quoted a source as saying.

The meeting is anticipated to bring clarity on Gambhir’s coaching approach and whether the current direction aligns with the board’s expectations for the national team.