When Gautam Gambhir took over as head coach of the Indian cricket team in 2024, expectations across the cricket landscape were high. Gambhir arrived with a reputation shaped by his time as a top order batter, leadership success in franchise cricket, and recent white ball achievements that included both an Asia Cup and Champions Trophy win. As the 2025 season concludes, questions are growing about the Indian cricket team losses under Gambhir as coach, particularly in Test formats, where the decline has been most visible.
Test Performance Decline
India’s Test record since Gambhir’s appointment shows a clear downturn. Out of 18 red ball matches played across home and away conditions, the team secured 7 wins while losing 9 with 2 draws. This stands in contrast to the dominant run of earlier years when India rarely lost a home series and regularly featured in the World Test Championship final. The current red ball campaign included consecutive series losses at home and a 1 to 3 defeat in Australia, ending hopes of reaching a third straight WTC final.
Losses in familiar conditions against New Zealand and South Africa further intensified concerns, with four defeats in the last eight home Tests. These results mark one of India’s steepest performance dips in the modern Test era.
Key Factors Affecting Outcomes
Strategy and Pitch Calls
Gambhir placed emphasis on using spin heavy strategies in home conditions. However, opponents have adapted with better preparation and broader tactical depth. The choice to prepare dry turning surfaces also exposed India’s batting lineup, resulting in frequent fourth innings collapses. Analysts have pointed to the Eden Gardens defeat against South Africa as a visible turning point where pitch conditions worked against India despite being designed to offer an advantage.
Team Selection Patterns
Selection decisions have become a point of public scrutiny. Frequent personnel changes and experimentation around batting order and bowling combinations have been cited by several former players as disruptive. Observers have also noted the omission of in form players and the rotation of specialists in favor of all round roles. The inconsistency has reportedly affected rhythm and confidence among both senior and younger squad members.
Limited Tactical Adjustment
Critics indicate that an aggressive approach may have contributed to preventable losses. In several matches where conditions favored patience and draw protection, the team continued pursuing win focused strategies. This lack of adaptability has been highlighted by commentators as a recurring pattern.
Public and Expert Reactions
Feedback from the cricket community has been mixed. Some former captains have urged a long term perspective and patience, while others have raised concerns about technical discipline, squad continuity, and situational decision making. Fan platforms and discussion forums show an increase in calls for split coaching, where Gambhir would oversee limited overs formats and a separate specialist would lead red ball cricket.
Social commentary from cricket boards abroad has also taken notice, with several posts from international teams referencing India’s recent Test form.
Areas for Recovery
Establishing a Core Unit
Strengthening selection consistency and defining a stable Test playing group has been identified as a priority step. Player continuity is expected to support confidence and familiarity across key partnerships.
Balanced Attack
Rebalancing bowling units may improve overall performance. Strategic use of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and the pace roster could restore the variety that previously defined India’s home and away success.
Technical Preparation
Coaching staff are expected to place renewed emphasis on long format batting fundamentals including session control, defensive structure, and partnership resilience.
Communication and Leadership Focus
Analysts suggest that clarity in planning and messaging will be important in player development and team direction during the upcoming Test cycle.
Outlook
The Board of Control for Cricket in India has offered formal support to Gambhir’s leadership, stating that long term goals remain aligned. However, commentary across domestic and international cricket circles suggests that pressure will increase with future Test assignments. While India continues to perform competitively in limited overs fixtures, the red ball format remains central to global standing and legacy.
For Gambhir and the current squad, the next phase will determine whether the Indian cricket team losses under Gambhir as coach represent a temporary adjustment period or signal a broader structural challenge.
Summary:
India’s Test struggles since Gautam Gambhir became head coach have accelerated scrutiny regarding strategy, selection, and adaptability. While white ball achievements remain a positive benchmark, improvements in red ball cricket are now viewed as essential for restoring competitive consistency.
Leave a comment