Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir is facing intense scrutiny after India slumped to a fourth straight home Test defeat against a SENA side, failing to chase 124 in the fourth innings against South Africa in the series opener at Eden Gardens. With criticism mounting over his tenure, calls have grown for a more experienced Test coach to step in.

However, former India captain and Cricket Association of Bengal chief Sourav Ganguly has come out strongly in Gambhir’s defence, urging patience and perspective.

Ganguly says no question of sacking Gambhir now

Speaking to Sports Tak, Ganguly dismissed suggestions that Gambhir should be removed after one home defeat. “There’s no question of sacking Gautam Gambhir at this stage. But they have to work hard and win Test matches because on flat pitches it’s a lot harder,” he said.

He added that India have the bowling depth to win Tests if they show consistency and patience. “As you saw at the Oval and Edgbaston, they can get 20 wickets. In India, the game changes quickly on Days 4 and 5.”

Pitch under fire as Eden Gardens hosts less than 3 days of play

The Eden pitch also came under severe criticism for excessive assistance to bowlers, with the Test ending inside three days. Ganguly acknowledged the scrutiny but stressed collective responsibility rather than pinning blame on individuals.

Tactical advice: Revisit batting order, rethink Sundar’s role

Ganguly did, however, recommend specific changes to Gambhir’s approach ahead of the second Test. He praised Washington Sundar but questioned his promotion to No. 3.

“Sundar is a tremendous cricketer, but I’m not sure No. 3 is his long-term position in Test cricket. They must look at the batting order,” he said.

He also advised Gambhir to avoid overloading the XI with all-rounders. “You don’t need four spinners when they can bowl 25–30 overs each. Keep your best five batters as your top five.”

Gambhir under pressure as India seek turnaround

Gambhir has been criticised before for leaning heavily on multi-utility players instead of specialists, a strategy that has worked well for him in limited-overs cricket but not yet fully translated into Test success.

India now head to Guwahati for the second Test against South Africa, desperate to halt the slide and get their first points on the board in the series.