Is Gautam Gambhir Removed? Big Twist in Coaching Drama

By Harshit - Nov 26, 2025 06:55 PM
Last updated on Nov 26, 2025 06:55 PM

Is Gautam Gambhir Removed? Big Twist in Coaching Drama

The debate over whether Gautam Gambhir remains fit for coaching duties has intensified after India’s recent Test series setbacks. Supporters and critics alike are asking tough questions — not just about strategy or selection, but about the very future of his tenure. With recent losses exposing glaring weaknesses, the spotlight has shifted sharply onto performance and accountability.

This article examines the most recent series under Gambhir’s leadership, highlights the team’s failures and successes, and explores the possible implications for his coaching career. It analyses match outcomes, assesses patterns of collapse or resistance, and outlines what might lie ahead for the team and its coach in the coming months.

Here’s a comprehensive, up-to-date analysis of India’s performance under Gambhir — with recent series results, key failures, public reaction, and potential scenarios that could shape the team’s future.

Recent Test Series Record: New Zealand and South Africa

Under Gambhir’s watch, India suffered a home Test series whitewash at the hands of New Zealand. The visiting side won 3‑0, marking a historic collapse for the hosts. After this defeat, many fans and pundits questioned whether the team’s red‑ball strategy, selection balance and mental toughness were still intact under Gambhir’s setup.

The downward spiral deepened with the 2025 home series against South Africa: India went down 0–2, suffering a drubbing in the second Test by 408 runs — their heaviest home Test defeat by runs ever. The loss sealed a clean sweep and triggered widespread uproar among fans, former players and analysts.

Overall, since taking charge, India have lost five of their last seven home Tests under Gambhir. The slide has eroded what was once a proud home fortress — and placed huge pressure on the coaching staff and team leadership to deliver results amid constant scrutiny.

Where Things Went Wrong: Strategy, Selection & Execution

Critics argue that under Gambhir, India’s Test setups have often lacked balance — especially in bowling attack composition and batting order depth. In the South Africa series, decisions such as preparing a spin‑friendly pitch in Kolkata backfired badly when seamers and pace bowlers from the opposition exploited weaknesses.

Batting collapses, especially under pressure while setting or chasing targets, have repeatedly cost India crucial leads or saved collapses. The team’s inability to manage tense situations under pressure — whether in session after lunch or against swinging/seaming conditions — has raised serious doubts on mental resilience and match‑day tactics under current coaching.

Defensive Statements, Mixed Formats & Selective Success

Despite the red‑ball woes, Gambhir reminds critics of his past limited‑overs successes, arguing that India’s white‑ball performance has remained largely unaffected under him. While Test results have been poor, the ODI and T20I units have shown flashes of stability, suggesting that the coaching strategy might suit shorter formats better than Tests.

Still, a head coach’s primary job — for many fans and experts — remains Test cricket stability. Even consistent short-format results struggle to offset repeated Test failures. The inconsistency between formats has sharpened the debate over whether a split-format coaching model or fresh leadership is now overdue.

Public Reaction, Calls for Change, and Institutional Pressure

After the South Africa whitewash, criticism reached a new height: former players, analysts and many fans openly called for a change in coaching staff. There have been growing demands for either removal or reassignment of Gambhir, particularly as India’s home Test record under him turned one of the worst in decades.

On the institutional side, the governing body has yet to issue a formal statement. Though selection and pitch‑preparation decisions have come under media scrutiny, the official response has been limited — partly due to the complexity of mid‑tournament changes and partly because there remain some defenders who emphasize long-term transition and upcoming tours.

Possible Futures: Sack, Restructure, or Second Chance?

If management reacts to the backlash, we could see a dismissal or reassignment of Gambhir, perhaps bringing in a specialist red-ball coach or interim leadership for the Test team. This could be followed by a restructuring of support staff, fresh selection policies and defensive reassessment before the next big tour. Such a move might aim to reduce disruption and signal seriousness in addressing performance gaps.

Alternatively, instilling stability could mean giving Gambhir another chance — possibly with stricter performance targets, revamped selection criteria and enhanced support staff for bowling, fielding, and mental conditioning. The hope for some insiders is that a combination of experience and renewed strategy might salvage long-term confidence.

Impact on Indian Cricket: More Than Just Coaching

Beyond one person, these developments affect players’ morale, selectors’ long-term planning and the team’s public perception. Repeated failures dent trust and raise questions about domestic circuits and talent pipelines. If changes are made, they may shape future tours, youth development and the balance between formats.

For stakeholders — administrators, players and fans — the looming decision is not just about a name on the coaching board, but about direction: whether Indian cricket aims to rebuild its Test legacy, or continue risking its traditions in search of short‑term white-ball success. The coming weeks may prove pivotal for redefining priorities and charting a stable future.