The beginning of Gautam Gambhir coaching Test cricket India was filled with high hopes and bold expectations. Fans believed his aggressive mindset and leadership experience would inject new life into the Indian Test team. But after a series of poor performances in 2025, questions are being raised about the team’s direction, decision-making, and overall strategy.
A Rocky Start to Gambhir’s Test Era
India’s recent Test outings under Gambhir’s guidance have been far from ideal. The team has suffered back-to-back defeats in both home and away series. Losses against England at home and a whitewash in the overseas tour of South Africa have exposed critical flaws in the batting order and game plans.
So far, India has won only one Test match out of six in 2025 under Gambhir. This dip in performance has brought media scrutiny and fan frustration, especially considering India’s strong home record over the last decade.
Batting Collapse and Strategy Misfires
The top order, once the backbone of Indian Test cricket, has struggled consistently. Star players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have failed to convert starts into big scores, while younger players have lacked consistency. The middle order has shown glimpses of potential but failed to deliver under pressure.
Under Gautam Gambhir coaching Test cricket India, the team’s strategy seems confused. There’s been a visible lack of cohesion between the bowling attack and field placements. Gambhir’s push for aggressive play has worked in white-ball formats, but Test cricket demands patience and adaptability—qualities India hasn’t shown in recent matches.
Bowlers Doing Their Bit, But Not Enough
India’s fast bowlers and spinners have tried to keep the team afloat. Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin have delivered individually, but without scoreboard pressure, their efforts haven’t resulted in match wins. The bowlers have taken wickets but lacked the support of tight fielding and solid batting performances.
Is Gambhir’s Vision Too Bold?
Gautam Gambhir, known for his fearless attitude, came into the role with a promise to build a fighting Test unit. While his vision is admirable, it hasn’t translated into results so far. Critics argue that his tactics, including abrupt player rotations and ultra-attacking field setups, have done more harm than good in red-ball cricket.
The early days of Gautam Gambhir coaching Test cricket India are proving to be a challenging chapter. India’s poor form has raised valid concerns about team balance, preparation, and long-term strategy. While it’s still early to judge his coaching tenure entirely, Gambhir will need to reflect, adapt, and find a way to stabilize the team before the damage becomes irreversible.
