Indian cricket team’s head coach Gautam Gambhir is going through a difficult phase these days.
India is trailing 1-2 in the ongoing Test series against England, and if it loses the last Test to be held at the Oval, it will be the third consecutive series loss in Gambhir’s coaching career.
Former captain’s warning, defeat may cost Gambhir dearly
Former England captain Michael Atherton has clearly warned that such a defeat may cost Gambhir dearly.
Atherton said on Sky Sports,
“They’ve lost two series in a row. They were beaten 3-0 at home by New Zealand, and they lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 3-1.
If they lose this series, then yes, there will be pressure on him as a coach.”
He believes that a team like India, which has a lot of resources and passion for cricket, is expected to win every time.
“India, with all its resources and population, is not a team that people have patience with.
They are expected to win every time they step onto the field. So, losing three Test series in a row will be a problem for him.”
Pressure Cooker Moment for Gambhir
Under Gambhir’s coaching, India suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat at home against New Zealand last year. After this, they lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 3-1 in Australia.
Now the threat of defeat in England looms. Although Gambhir led India to victory in the 2025 Champions Trophy, his record in Test cricket is raising concerns.
His argument with the pitch curator before the Oval Test also made headlines. Indian captain Shubman Gill called it normal, but the eyes of cricket fans and experts are fixed on Gambhir.
India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak defended Gambhir and said,
“I haven’t seen Gautam Gambhir under pressure from his playing days to now.”
But the mood of the fans is different. Many people on social media are questioning Gambhir’s strategy and selection of players.
India made four changes in the Oval Test, including Dhruv Jurel in place of Rishabh Pant and Prasidh Krishna in place of Jasprit Bumrah.
At present, the Oval Test is a do or die match for India. If India loses, the pressure on Gambhir will increase further.
