The Indian Cricket team’s performance under Gambhir has drawn heavy criticism after a steep fall in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 standings. A 2-0 series defeat to South Africa at home, capped by a crushing 408-run loss at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, marked India’s biggest defeat in Test history.
The setback pushed India down to fifth place, with its PCT dropping to 48.15. With five losses in seven home Tests, concerns around Gambhir’s strategy and leadership have intensified.
Will Gautam Gambhir remain the coach?
In the post-match press conference, a reporter asked him directly, “Do you think you are the right man for the job?” to which Gambhir responded: “It is up to the BCCI to decide. I said it in my first press conference when I took over as the head coach that Indian cricket is important; I am not. And I sit here sticking by the same thing. And yes, people can keep forgetting that I am the same guy who got results in England as well with a young team. And I am sure you guys will forget pretty soon. A lot of people keep talking about New Zealand, but I am the same guy under whom, India won the Champions Trophy and the Asia Cup as well. This is a team which has less experience. I have said this before as well, that they need to keep learning and do everything possible to turn the tide.”
Gambhir was appointed as head coach after Rahul Dravid’s tenure concluded with India’s T20 World Cup triumph on June 29.
Cricket fraternity expresses disappointment
Meanwhile, South Africa reigning WTC champions, sealed a historic 2-0 series win, becoming the first team in 25 years to whitewash India at home. The cricket fraternity expressed widespread disappointment at India’s collapse.
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Venkatesh Prasad posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Really disappointed by how India is going about in Test cricket. The all-rounder obsession is absolute brain-fade especially when you don't bowl them. Rank Poor tactics, poor skills , poor body language and an unprecedented 2 series white wash at home. Hope this does not get washed off with Test matches 9 months away and this negative approach changes.”
S Badrinath wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “A test match where Team India lost even before the first ball was bowled.”
Irfan Pathan added,“ Disappointing display of patience & technique from Indian batters. Need to get players in the test team who can play spin better.”
As the dust settles on India’s biggest Test defeat and the rare home whitewash, the spotlight now turns to how quickly the team can rebuild its confidence.
