Record losses, selection calls, and stubborn comments: The Gautam Gambhir debate

The noise around head coach Gautam Gambhir since India’s 0–2 Test series defeat to South Africa has grown borderline deafening. Indian cricket fans cannot wrap their heads around the fact that the team has now lost two home Test series in a single year, and that their route to the 2027 World Test Championship (WTC) final has taken a serious hit.

But why is so much of the ire aimed at the coach — a man who does not bat, bowl or field?

Because the numbers from Gambhir’s Test tenure paint a grim picture.

To begin with, India were swept 3–0 by New Zealand at home, the first time in history they’ve lost a three-match home series. It was also India’s first home series defeat in 12 years, and the first time in 47 years they had lost three consecutive Tests on Indian soil.

Then came the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India, after taking a 1-0 lead, still ended up losing the series — their first BGT defeat in a decade.

And now, a home series loss to South Africa in early 2025, capped by the heaviest Test defeat in India’s history – a staggering 408-run hammering in Guwahati. In that same Test, India conceded 549, the highest fourth-innings target ever set by a visiting team in India.

Under Gambhir, India’s only Test series wins have come against lower-ranked Bangladesh and West Indies.

Dig deeper, and the details are even more alarming.

For the first time in 50 years, India were bowled out for under 50 at home. For the first time in history, India failed to chase a target of fewer than 200 at home – a modest 147 – at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

The Eden Gardens loss to South Africa is their first at home in 15 years. And for the first time since the WTC began, India failed to reach the final.

Now, yes, Gambhir is not solely responsible. A coach can only do so much – he cannot walk out and score runs or take wickets. But a coach does influence selection, combinations, roles, and the kinds of pitches he wants. And with India in a transitional phase, the team looks poorly managed, the decision-making inconsistent, and several selection calls have raised eyebrows.

What hasn’t helped are Gambhir’s comments. After the Guwahati defeat, he defended his position, saying fans conveniently forget his highs – referencing the 2–2 draw in England four months ago.

“People can keep forgetting, but I’m the same guy who got the results in England as well, with a young team,” Gambhir said after the record loss. “And you guys will forget very soon, because a lot of you will keep talking about New Zealand. But I’m the same guy who won the Champions Trophy and Asia Cup as well.”

If you ask me, these comments grate. They sound defensive, even stubborn. Yes, India are transitioning — but surely that transition can be managed better?

Because when you play this poorly, when visiting teams walk into your backyard and outthink and outplay you in all three departments, when your own plans are exposed as faulty — then coach and captain naturally open themselves up to criticism.