Gautam Gambhir era witnesses another low in New Zealand series defeat; is the worst yet to come?

There were more questions than answers inside the Indian team’s dressing room after they lost the Pune Test match against New Zealand on Saturday (Oct 26). The 113-run defeat in Pune also brought to an end India’s more than decade-long unbeaten run on home soil in a Test series. While Rohit Sharma took the bullet in the post-match press conference, a slight murmur has already started against the tactics of head coach Gautam Gambhir. But the big question is will it get any worse for India as the latest defeat was their second under Gambhir ahead of a big Australian tour to come.

Gambhir in the spotlight

Not long ago the Indian team and Gambhir were praised for the pro-Bazball approach in the Kanpur Test match against Bangladesh where the hosts won the match despite no play in the opening two days. However, things have gone downward for India in the New Zealand series. What should have been a launching pad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia has now turned out to be a nightmare with one match still to go in the New Zealand series.

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Indian batters were heavily exposed against the Kiwi spinners as they gave India a taste of their own medicine. This is the same New Zealand side that lost 0-2 against Sri Lanka in September, making India hot favourites to win the three-match Test series and put one foot into the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

Evident from the early days, Gambhir has a big say in the Indian team selection process and has handpicked players like Shreyas Iyer and Harshit Rana. However, those decisions to promote the youth could go unnoticed if India continues to struggle.

Why is the worst yet to come?

Needing a probable four wins in six remaining Test matches, the majority of those matches will come Down Under in Australia. India will play Australia in a five-match Test series, which could be a ‘make or break’ series for Gambhir. While India remain the last team to beat the Aussies Down Under in a Test series, Pat Cummins and Co have already shown why they are India’s biggest nemesis. They beat India in the WTC final and the ODI World Cup final in 2023.

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If Cummins and his side is at their best and judging from India’s vulnerable last two Tests, a one-sided result for the hosts could be the beginning of the end for Gambhir.

If that is not enough, a poor form in the Champions Trophy 2025 could prove to be vital as Gambhir won’t be left with too much margin for error.

Big lows for India under Gautam Gambhir

First series defeat against New Zealand on home soil

First Test series defeat on home turf since 2012

First ODI series defeat against Sri Lanka in 27 years