Five Unwanted Records Haunting India Under Gautam Gambhir’s Coaching
India suffer rare home defeats and major Test setbacks under Gautam Gambhir, raising big questions about his coaching approach.
India’s Test season under Gautam Gambhir has taken a sharp turn, leaving fans worried and critics louder than ever. Gambhir took charge in July 2024 with huge expectations. He delivered two major trophies in white-ball cricket, but red-ball results have brought a long list of unwanted records.
India have now lost 6 of their last 10 Tests, something unheard of in recent years. These defeats have come at home and away, and the pattern has raised questions about team selection, batting form and approach on turning tracks.
First Home Series Defeat in 12 Years
India lost 3-0 to New Zealand in Pune. This ended a streak of 18 consecutive home Test series wins. The last time India had lost a Test series at home was in 2012. Fans were shocked because India had rarely been troubled on spinning tracks at home.
First Home Whitewash in 24 Years
New Zealand’s 3-0 sweep was also India’s first home whitewash in a series of three or more matches since South Africa did it in 2000. India were expected to dominate the series, but poor batting and inconsistent bowling turned the contest around completely.
Border Gavaskar Trophy Slips Away After 10 Years
Australia defeated India 3-1 in the 2024-25 BGT, ending India’s decade-long hold on the trophy. India had won four series in a row before this. The loss brought major criticism because the team failed to show fight in key moments.
Still no ODI Series Win Against Sri Lanka
India have not won a single ODI series against Sri Lanka since Gambhir became coach. The team’s batting order has looked unsettled and their middle overs have lacked control. This remains a strange gap considering India’s overall strength in ODIs.
First Home Defeat to South Africa in 15 years
The 30-run loss in Kolkata was another shock. India failed to chase 124 at Eden Gardens. This was only the second time in the 21st century that India failed to chase a target under 150 at home. The defeat raised concerns over technique and temperament on turning pitches.
Gambhir’s tenure has been a mix of highs and lows. India have a perfect record in T20s and two major titles in the bag. But Test cricket is where the pressure is highest, and these records have intensified the debate over whether India need stronger planning and more stable combinations.
