Head coach Gautam Gambhir has been under immense pressure after India's 30-run defeat to South Africa in the first Test at Eden Gardens. According to multiple reports, the BCCI is unhappy with Gambhir's post-match comments about the Kolkata pitch. While the board is not taking immediate action, Gambhir's tenure is now being closely watched, and the 2026 T20 World Cup at home is reportedly his make-or-break moment.
India's loss in Kolkata continued a trend of having now lost three consecutive home Test series. The Eden Gardens pitch, made of black soil, became a major talking point after India were bowled out for just 93 in the fourth innings. Instead of criticising the surface, Gambhir praised it, calling it the type of pitch the team had asked for.
His public defence of the pitch has not gone down well with BCCI officials, especially with questions about India's red-ball performance.