‘Not only Head Coach Gautam Gambhir…’ - Saba Karim urges BCCI to review team management after India's twin T20I series defeats

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Saba Karim has called on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to closely evaluate the role of the Indian team management following the team's disappointing performances in the recently concluded T20I series against Ireland and England.

India endured a difficult run in the shortest format, suffering a 0-2 series defeat against Ireland before being whitewashed 4-0 by England. The back-to-back losses have raised several questions over the team's planning and execution, with the BCCI reportedly set to hold a review meeting.

Karim said accountability should extend beyond the players and include the coaching staff and team leadership.

"After such a disastrous series - a whitewash with huge margins of defeat - no one can abdicate responsibility - not only the support staff including Head Coach Gautam Gambhir but also the captain (Shreyas Iyer) and the vice-captain (Tilak Varma)," Karim was quoted as saying by the Business Standard.

He further stressed that the leadership group plays a major role during overseas tours and should be assessed accordingly.

"I think, these people are the think-tank of the Indian side, more so when you're travelling outside India. The BCCI must examine their role and responsibility for the debacle," the former India stumper added.

While Karim believes the team management must be held accountable, he also backed newly-appointed T20I captain Shreyas Iyer and urged the selectors to continue showing faith in him.

Gautam Gambhir backs Sanju Samson after ZIM squad snub

The former selector felt that appointing a new captain is a long-term investment and that Iyer should be given enough time and support to establish his leadership.

"I hope that once you have invested in a captain like Shreyas Iyer, you continue to give him more support and back him,” he continued.

At the same time, Karim said the responsibility now lies with Iyer to stamp his authority as captain by developing a clear vision for the team.

"But I also feel that the time is right now for Iyer to assert himself in terms of planning, in terms of resources, in terms of the kind of vision he has. It is up to him now to lead the team forward and to have the right resources under him," he stressed.

When asked whether the recent failures could lead to major changes in the coaching and support staff, Karim said the final decision rests with the BCCI. He also revealed that the board has already planned a review meeting involving those responsible for the team's performance.

"That is why the BCCI has called for a meeting where all these individuals or all such people who are given this responsibility will be invited and they will have a discussion," he noted.

Following India's disappointing T20I campaign, the visitors will be playing a three-match ODI series starting from July 14.