Gautam Gambhir is under unimaginable scrutiny from the public as India’s coach over legends such as Kapil Dev, Gary Kirsten, Ravi Shastri as well as Rahul Dravid. Experts and fans question his selections for the team, tactics and the impact since taking the reins from Dravid in July 2024. India’s Test problems are getting worse, with the BCCI in the spotlight for its selection and scheduling issues.
Gambhir’s Rocky Test Tenure
Gambhir was appointed coach in the midst of high expectations, which were fueled by his IPL successes as a player with KKR as well as LSG. His determination and grit shined through in his 2007 T20 WC and 2011 ODI WC finals however, coaching requires the best of both worlds. India beat Bangladesh 2-0. Bangladesh on the home field, and yet New Zealand whitewashed them 3-0–the first loss in a home series of this type.
Australia beat India down under, leading to Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma to retire from Test cricket. Shubman Gill steered a youthful team to the draw of 2-2 in England however, South Africa inflicted another 2-0 home loss. Gambhir’s record 7 wins, 10 losses over 19 Tests (36.82 percent win rate) and is lagging Dravid (58.33 percentage over 24 matches) in addition to Shastri (58.13 percentage for the 43rd).
Selectors and Squad Blunders Exposed
Ajit Agarkar’s panel is criticized for choosing IPL stars over players from the domestic market such as Sarfaraz Khan and Devdutt Padikkal. Gambhir promoted “bits-and-pieces” all-rounders such as Nitish Kumar Reddy, but batters crumbled in the chase of 124 in the match against South Africa at Eden Gardens. Yashasvi Jaiswal KL Rahul Rishabh Pant along with Ravindra Jadeja failed to fight.
Fielding slips are a major problem for the side as do catches thrown by Jaiswal and other players. Bowlers such as Jasprit Bumrah as well as Mohammed Siraj struggle on flat tracks, unaccustomed to pressure-building after many years using turners. Spinners reveal flaws–Rohit Kohli and kids struggle at home.
Scheduling Chaos Compounds Issues
BCCI has a habit of slashing calendars with a revenge: West Indies series followed Asia Cup by five days; South Africa Test came four days following Australia T20Is. Gill, 26, who is fighting injuries from a non-stop tour, changes in transitions can be painful. Kohli, Rohit, Ashwin exits create gaps that no coach can fill.
Gambhir has a flip-flop regarding “transition,” denying it in England but referring to it after losing. Critics criticize white-ball players with no Test grind.
Shared Blame, Not Blaming
Gambhir assists the captain Gill but doesn’t choose XIs by himself. Why is captaincy’s input not taken into consideration for rank turners? Agarkar prioritizes IPL over Ranji performers. Pitches, preparations, as well as accountability of players are also lacking.
Internet memes are aimed at Gambhir Experts calling for complete solutions. BCCI must review selectors, schedules and the integration of domestic players. Gambhir’s fire is a problem for players, not coaches. Nevertheless, the decline is due to systemic flaws.
India seeks redemption however, the possibility of honest evaluations is looming for the staff, players and the board. Gambhir’s time tests the resilience of his team despite common failures.
