On Sunday, 18th January, India lost by 41 runs to New Zealand at Indore’s Holkar Stadium. With the end of the game, India lost the ODI series 1-2, and many blamed Gautam Gambhir for the team’s downslide after the loss. His contract as head coach lasts up to the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Gautam Gambhir’s Record As Head Coach
Gambhir took over as head coach in July 2024, and his record in T20 has been excellent. However, the record in test matches and one-day internationals needs improvement. India has lost three ODI series and three test series under Gambhir.
Gautam’s records at home have not been up to the mark. New Zealand whitewashed India 3-0 in 2024 in the test series, and even South Africa had a clean sweep in the two test matches played in India in 2025. South Africa won both the matches convincingly and won a test series after 25 years in India. The recently concluded ODI series against New Zealand also saw the Indian team losing at home.
Team India’s record overseas has always been average, and Gambhir’s era has added worries. India toured Sri Lanka for the first time under Gambhir in 2024 to play an ODI series, and India lost the series 2-0. They also lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia by 3-1 in 2024-25. India even lost the ODI series that followed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy by 2-1.
Will Gautam Gambhir Be Sacked As Head Coach?
Gautam Gambhir has done well as a coach in the shorter version of the game. His record is below par in test matches and ODIs. Fans are trolling the coach brutally on social media after the loss to New Zealand. Ex-cricketers are also questioning his coaching skills, and the main question that arises is whether the ODI World Cup is coming up next year. Even though the World Test Championship is going on, India has to do well in it.
The Selectors and BCCI officials should take action and not take things lightly. BCCI is the richest cricket board in the world, and they can afford anything. It’s time for some harsh decisions because cricket is not just a sport in India, it’s an emotion.
