Gautam Gambhir's tenure as head coach of the Indian cricket team has been marked by more lows than highs, according to an analysis by DH's Sidney Kiran. Since taking over, India has suffered several defeats in Test and ODI series, with only a few bright spots in T20Is and home matches.
Major Losses Under Gambhir
Under Gambhir, India lost the 2025-26 Border-Gavaskar Trophy 3-1 in Australia, a significant setback after previous series wins Down Under. The team also faced a 2-1 ODI series loss to New Zealand at home in early 2026, and a 2-0 Test series defeat in South Africa. In the 2025 World Test Championship final, India lost to Australia by 209 runs.
Key Wins and Bright Spots
Despite the losses, India did win the 2025 Asia Cup ODI title, beating Sri Lanka in the final. The team also secured a 3-0 T20I series win against England at home and a 2-1 Test series victory against the West Indies. However, these successes were overshadowed by the heavy defeats in major series.
According to statistics compiled by the report, India's win percentage under Gambhir in Tests stands at 45%, compared to 58% under his predecessor Rahul Dravid. In ODIs, the win rate dropped to 52% from 65%.
Impact on Team Morale
Former players and analysts have expressed concern over the team's inconsistency. "The losses in Australia and South Africa are worrying," said a former India captain on condition of anonymity. "The team seems to struggle in high-pressure situations, and that reflects on the coaching staff."
Gambhir, who replaced Dravid after the 2024 T20 World Cup, has faced criticism for his tactical decisions and player management. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has extended his contract until the 2027 ODI World Cup, indicating continued faith in his leadership.
