'My job is to win trophies...': Gautam Gambhir hits back at critics over calls for his sacking

India are preparing for the second and final Test against Sri Lanka, beginning on August 23, with discussions continuing over the playing combinations they can deploy in the playing XI. Ahead of the game, head coach Gautam Gambhir responded strongly to those questioning his position and calling for him to step down.

Gambhir hits back at critics

While appearing at the press conference ahead of the second Test match at the SSC Cricket Ground in Colombo, the former India batter slammed the critics who questioned his role as the head coach of the side. The India head coach noted that his job is to win titles with the side rather than looking at the views and likes.

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The former left-handed batter stressed that the Indian team is not doing badly in the longest format of the game, but admitted that the side is going through a major overhaul and certain losses are part and parcel of the process.

"My job is to win trophies. Not views and likes. We are not doing too bad in Test cricket. It's a team in transition so there will be blips," said Gambhir at the press conference," said Gambhir.

On reacting to the chances of India playing in the World Test Championship (WTC) final, Gambhir said that they don't worry about the future as they are looking forward to the second Test and aim of winning every game in hand.

"We don't talk about what's in the future, we are just focused on the next 5 days. It's not about where we would be in WTC cycle, it's about whether we can win what's in the hand," added Gambhir.

Team India's underwhelming performances in Test cricket

Gautam Gambhir's tenure as India's head coach in the red-ball format, has been highly volatile, marked by a significant decline in consistency despite huge success in T20Is. Navigating a big transition after the Test retirements of senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin, Gambhir struggled to stabilize the weak batting lineup.

The lowest point of his stint was the complete dismantling of India's long-standing home fortress. Gambhir oversaw two historic home series losses, including an unprecedented 0-3 against New Zealand in late 2024 that saw India skittled for just 46 in Bengaluru.