Gautam Gambhir had a promising start as the head coach of the Indian cricket team, beginning with a T20 series win against Sri Lanka. However, India later lost the ODI series to Sri Lanka, and the recent Test series whitewash at home against New Zealand has put Gambhir under scrutiny.
The unexpected series losses against Sri Lanka and New Zealand have intensified the pressure on Gambhir. Although India had a dominant victory over Bangladesh, the recent humiliating defeat to New Zealand has directed criticism toward him.
Gambhir was appointed as head coach with much fanfare, but within just three months, India experienced a home Test whitewash against New Zealand—their first in 24 years under his tenure. Moreover, India lost an ODI series to Sri Lanka for the first time in 27 years.
India's top order has struggled repeatedly against spin for the past six to seven years, and questions have also arisen about Gambhir's tactical decisions. In the third Test against New Zealand in Mumbai, Mohammad Siraj was sent in as a night-watchman, and Sarfaraz was positioned to bat at number eight in the first innings, which sparked further debate.
BCCI regulations usually prohibit coaches from attending selection committee meetings. However, an exception was made for the selection meeting for the Australia tour, allowing the head coach to attend, according to a BCCI source who spoke anonymously to PTI.
Reports from Indian media suggest that Harshit Rana and Nitish Reddy were included in the squad for the Australia series at Gambhir’s request. Rana, however, was not part of the playing XI in the white-ball matches against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. He was reportedly released before the final match due to illness, yet he was seen bowling in the nets in Bengaluru a week later and later performed well in the Ranji Trophy against Assam.
Reddy impressed with his performance in the T20 series, and Gambhir believes he could develop into a pace-bowling all-rounder similar to Hardik Pandya.
The upcoming series against Australia will be a significant test for Gambhir, as well as for the senior players. If the team performs poorly in this series, BCCI may consider making major decisions.
