Gautam Gambhir's WTC Hopes in Jeopardy
Gautam Gambhir's record as India's head coach in Test cricket has hit a new low, with the team losing 10 consecutive Tests without a win.
Gambhir's team has struggled in Tests, winning just seven out of 19 matches since he took charge. The worst part is that India have lost two home series, being clean swept by New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa in 2025. The team's poor record in Tests has sparked talks about the possibility of a split coaching system, with separate coaches for white ball and red ball cricket.
The team's upcoming series against Sri Lanka and New Zealand will be crucial in determining Gambhir's future as the head coach. India are scheduled to play Sri Lanka in a two-match series starting later this month, followed by a two-match series against New Zealand. After that, they will host Australia for a five-match Test series, which will be a make-or-break moment for Gambhir.
Former India leg-spinner Amit Mishra has backed Gambhir, saying that players need to take more responsibility. "It's tough for the coach. I think players need to take more responsibility. One coach for all formats has been the norm for years. You have to give time to any coach," Mishra said in an exclusive interview with TimesofIndia.com. Mishra added that players need to understand the wicket's behavior and adapt according to the situation.
The team's tactics under Gambhir have also been under scrutiny, with India not sticking to a settled batting order, especially at number three. Karun Nair, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, and even Washington Sundar have all been tried at the position, but the team's performance has not improved.
Mishra believed that Gambhir and the team management should be given more time to prove themselves. "We don't see it here, but they spend time with them (in the nets), and see who's batting well and who isn't. They have that in mind. We only see the changes. According to the wicket, situation, maybe Sundar was fitting, so they put him there (at number three in South Africa series). They see who bats well, bowls well. They're trying to find the best combination for 11 in Tests. Give them time," Mishra said.
With 48.15% of points, India are at fifth position in the World Test Championship (WTC 2025-27) points table, and it is highly likely that they will not make it to the WTC final for the second cycle in a row. The team's poor record in Tests under Gambhir has raised questions about his future as the head coach.
The upcoming series against Sri Lanka and New Zealand will be crucial in determining Gambhir's future. If India fails to win a single Test in these series, it could be a make-or-break moment for Gambhir.
Source: Yahoo Sports