Indian cricket team coach Gautam Gambhir.
Credit: PTI Photo
Sydney: Gautam Gambhir’s appointment as head coach of the Indian cricket team sparked both optimism and scepticism. While fans hoped his successful stint with the Kolkata Knight Riders -- where he led the franchise to a title triumph -- would translate to success on the international stage, questions loomed about his leadership style. Known for his grit as a player and fiery temperament, Gambhir was seen as a bold choice to guide Indian cricket forward.
However, concerns were raised about his lack of experience at the international coaching level. Historically, India’s coaches had been seasoned veterans who maintained a calm presence. Gambhir’s confrontational style raised doubts about his ability to manage a dressing room filled with superstars. Could his approach, which thrived in franchise cricket, adapt to the broader challenges of international cricket?
Six months into his tenure, the results have been more disappointing than encouraging. While India clinched a T20I series win in Sri Lanka and a two-Test series victory against Bangladesh at home, these successes have been overshadowed by significant setbacks.
The ODI series loss in Sri Lanka, despite a squad filled with senior players, was alarming. Worse, India suffered a historic 3-0 whitewash in a home Test series against New Zealand, marking the first such instance in the nation’s cricketing history. Adding to the disappointment was losing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to Australia after nine consecutive years of dominance. The final blow came with India’s defeat in Sydney, which dashed their hopes of qualifying for the World Test Championship final, allowing Australia and South Africa to secure their spots instead.
Reflecting on his turbulent start, Gambhir acknowledged the difficulties. “It’s been tough, absolutely no doubt about it,” he admitted. “These weren’t the results we expected in the last eight Test matches, but that’s the nature of sport. All we can do is keep fighting—players and support staff alike—and focus on what’s good for Indian cricket. Ultimately, it’s a result-oriented game, and the results haven’t gone our way.”
While the series against Australia may have been more competitive than the 3-1 scoreline suggests, such close contests provide little solace. The team repeatedly failed to seize crucial moments, and the coaching staff, led by Gambhir, cannot escape accountability. Six losses in eight Tests paint a troubling picture for a team that prides itself on its dominance in the longest format of the game.
Gambhir’s start as head coach has been a reality check for Indian cricket. While his commitment to fight through challenges is commendable, the pressure to deliver results will only intensify. For now, Gambhir and his team must regroup and chart a course to reclaim India’s stature as a powerhouse in world cricket.