22 August,2026 03:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Gautam Gambhir (File pic)
India head coach Gautam Gambhir remains unbothered by public backlash and media scrutiny following recent setbacks in the Test format, maintaining that his objective is to secure trophies for India.
Since assuming his role in July 2024, Gambhir's tenure in Test cricket has endured significant difficulties, including home series defeats against New Zealand and South Africa, alongside a heavy series loss during the tour of Australia. The lone bright spot in red-ball cricket during his stint remains a hard-fought 2-2 series draw in England.
Addressing questions regarding the mounting scrutiny, Gambhir offered a firm response during a pre-match media interaction on Saturday.
"Criticism? My job is to win trophies. That's all I believe in. That is the difference between me and everyone. I don't care about views or likes," Gambhir said.
Gambhir was also asked about his discussions with chief selector Ajit Agarkar regarding the roadmap ahead.
"I wish I could tell you about the conversation between the head coach and the chairman of selectors. It's only about how we want to move forward within cricket, what is important and what are the right decisions to make for betterment within cricket. So probably it's only around cricket now, how we see it in the game going forward," he added.
Addressing ongoing concerns around fitness, the head coach acknowledged that recurring player injuries have disrupted squad stability.
"Even in this series, we have been missing so many players. We have had a bit. It's not the BCCI, but overall, we want our best players to play as much cricket as possible. It's also because there will be continuity and we can put our best players on the path as regularly as we can."
India currently occupies fifth place in the World Test Championship standings, trailing Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. However, Gambhir brushed aside concerns regarding the team's position on the table.
"Rankings do not matter. We are not struggling. Since the England tour, we have played reasonable Test cricket. I think we are going through a transition.
"I am sure that people sitting in the press box and in the commentary box know that we are going through a transition. There will be ups and downs. But we know that wherever we are getting it right," he added.
