Written By: Rishabh Sharma
IND vs NZ: The 3-0 drubbing against New Zealand in the Test series has left a scar that Team India and its fans will never forget. But the million-dollar question remains: who is responsible for this defeat? Is it Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s poor performance, the team’s overconfidence, or Coach Gautam Gambhir?
#TeamIndia came close to the target but it's New Zealand who win the Third Test by 25 runs.
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 3, 2024
Scorecard – https://t.co/KNIvTEyxU7#INDvNZ | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/4BoVWm5HQP
We were considered unbeatable at home, even the legendary Australian teams of Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting’s era couldn’t defeat us at home. Many cricketers’ careers ended in pursuit of that elusive home series win. Can Team India’s loss to New Zealand be justified, especially considering the Kiwis had just lost 2-0 to Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka win the Third ODI and the series 2-0.
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 7, 2024
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/Lu9YkAmnek#TeamIndia | #SLvIND pic.twitter.com/ORqj6aWvRW
Different people may have varying opinions, influenced by personal preferences and circumstances. However, I firmly believe that the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy and Champions Trophy 2025 will define Gambhir’s future with Team India.
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To secure a spot in the World Test Championship final, India needs to win in Australia, ideally 4-1 or 3-0. If they fail to qualify, the Champions Trophy provides a consolation prize. But what if they falter there too? Will Gambhir be prepared to face the wrath of Indian fans?
Before becoming a coach but as a cricket expert, Gambhir is known for his candid critiques. Will he take responsibility for the team’s poor performance? While it’s unfair to solely blame the coach, Gambhir’s tactics and leadership will be scrutinized.
In India, cricket is a religion, and cricketers are revered as gods. Fans prioritize individual milestones over team victories. Given the outrage directed at Gambhir post-New Zealand series, it’s unrealistic to expect fans to take future failures lightly.
Gambhir’s coaching will be compared to the likes of Rahul Dravid and Gary Kirsten. Failure will draw parallels with Greg Chappell’s tenure. Social media will ridicule him, and office discussions will dissect his strategies.
Gambhir’s appointment as Team India’s coach was widely celebrated, thanks to his IPL success with KKR. However, some criticized his terms of joining and BCCI’s favoritism.
Gambhir’s decisions, from handing the captaincy to Hardik Pandya to promoting Suryakumar Yadav, have been closely watched. His failure will only intensify scrutiny.
Those who know Gambhir describe him as a serious and focused individual, reflecting his playing style and name. His coaching stint with Team India was another bold venture.
Gambhir aimed to embark on a new cricketing journey as a coach, but fate had other plans. The coming months will be challenging for him. While BCCI may offer support, Gambhir might choose to step down as coach, prioritizing a controversy-free exit.
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