The Indian cricket team has come under heavy criticism following a 0-3 whitewash against New Zealand in the recent Test series. The Rohit Sharma-led squad was thoroughly outplayed by the visitors, and the disappointing outcome has placed head coach Gautam Gambhir in a challenging spot. According to reports, the BCCI plans to analyze the series defeat in depth, with particular focus on the pitches used in Pune and Mumbai. During Rahul Dravid’s tenure as head coach, India opted against preparing rank turners for home Tests. However, Gambhir allegedly reverted to this tactic, despite some resistance from the team management, and India subsequently lost both matches.
“The decision to revert to rank turners surprised some members of the board. The new support staff under Gautam Gambhir will be questioned about their approach for guiding the team forward,” a source told the Times of India.
Back-to-back series losses to Sri Lanka and New Zealand have put significant pressure on Gambhir, just three months into his role as head coach. Appointed with much anticipation, Gambhir was even granted a rare seat at the selection committee meeting for the Australia tour. However, his early results indicate that the former India opener is facing considerable challenges.
If India does not show significant improvement in Australia, Gambhir—who was initially given considerable freedom in selection matters—may see his influence over team decisions reduced.
Since Gambhir took charge, India has suffered an ODI series defeat to Sri Lanka for the first time in 27 years, followed by New Zealand’s historic 3-0 Test series sweep on Sunday, marking a rare and unwelcome chapter in Indian cricket history.
