India head coach Gautam Gambhir has been copping criticism for the team’s series defeats at home. Since Gambhir has took over as head coach, India have won ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and T20 Asia Cup 2025 but his red-ball report card is far from satisfactory. Last year, India were whitewashed at home by New Zealand. Then, India lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 on Australian soil. The only Test series wins have come against lower-ranked teams Bangladesh and West Indies. And, the drawn Test series on England soil has been the only silver lining in Gambhir’s red-ball tenure as head coach. After the series defeat to South Africa, the former Indian opener responded to calls of sacking, listing out his achievements and leaving the decision to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
"It is up to the BCCI to decide my future. But I am the same guy who got you results in England and was coach for Champions Trophy," Gambhir said at the post-match press conference.
Not anyone, Gambhir says blame everyone
Gambhir did not pinpoint but said that the blame for the series loss lies with everyone.
"The blame lies with everyone and starts with me," he admitted after the 408-run defeat at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati.
"We need to play better. From 95/1 to 122/7 is not acceptable. You don't blame any individual or any particular shot. Blame lies with everyone. I never blamed individuals and won't do it going forward," he added.
Gambhir needs ‘tough characters’
Gambhir calls for players to show temperament, dig in their heels and fight it out in the middle.
"You don't need the most flamboyant and talented cricketers to play Test cricket. What we need is tough characters with limited skills. They make good Test cricketers," he said.
The challenging second half of India’s current WTC cycle
The Test series defeat saw India slip to fifth position on the points table. Their next Test series is nine months away on Sri Lankan soil. Then, they will fly to New Zealand for a two-Test series win. Their last Test series of the current cycle will be at home against WTC 2023 champions Australia who are current at the top of the standings.