India head coach Gautam Gambhir has strongly reacted to the ongoing debate around split coaching, calling the comments on social media “surprising” and urging those spreading such ideas to “stay in their domain.” His remarks were seen as a direct response to Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal’s recent criticism.



After India’s 0–2 Test series loss to South Africa, several former players and even an DC owner Parth Jindal suggested that the BCCI should consider appointing different coaches for Test and limited-overs formats.



Addressing the media after India’s 2–1 ODI series win over South Africa, Gambhir said the narrative around split coaching ignored key facts.



“There were a lot of talks because the results didn't go in our favour (in Test series). But the most surprising thing is that not once did any media or journalist wrote that our first Test match (in Kolkata) was played without the captain (Shubman Gill), who didn't bat in both innings (because of a neck injury),” Gambhir said.



He added that some comments circulating online had “nothing to do with cricket,” pointing specifically to an IPL team owner.



“Some people also said things that have nothing to do with cricket. An IPL team owner (Parth Jindal of Delhi Capitals on X) also wrote about split coaching. So this is surprising. It's very important for people to stay in their domain. Because if we don't go into someone's domain, then they also don't have the right to come into our domain,” Gambhir said.








Gambhir also defended his record as red-ball coach while addressing the series defeat, stressing that India were in transition and had lost their most important red-ball batter.



“I don't give excuses in press conferences. It doesn't mean that you don't show the facts in front of the world or the country. When you go through a transition and when you lose your captain, who is also your main batter in red-ball cricket against such a team (SA). Then obviously the results are difficult because you don't have that much experience in red ball cricket. And the surprising thing is that no one even talked about it. All the discussions about wickets, I don't know what all things were said,” he noted.




What Did Parth Jindal Say?



Following India’s heavy 408-run loss in Guwahati, Parth Jindal publicly criticised the team on X (formerly Twitter), writing:



"Not even close, what a complete thrashing at home! Don’t remember seeing our test side being so weak at home!!!"



He further added that India failed to select true red-ball specialists and urged the BCCI to appoint a dedicated Test coach:



“This team is nowhere near reflective of the deep strength we possess in the red ball format. Time for India to move to a specialist red-ball coach for Test cricket.”