Introductory Overview
Gautam Gambhir's tenure as head coach of the Indian cricket team has been a rollercoaster ride. With a commendable start in white-ball cricket, his record in Test matches reveals a different story. Let's delve into the details of his accomplishments and barriers.
White-Ball Success Story
After a successful coaching stint with the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, Gambhir took the reins of the Indian team. His entry into ODI coaching started on a rocky note, with India losing a home series to Sri Lanka 2-0, highlighted by a tie in one match. However, Gambhir quickly turned it around, leading his team to an impressive eight consecutive victories, which included winning the Champions Trophy in 2025.
ODI Performance Table
| Opponent | Matches | Results |
|---|
| Sri Lanka | 2 | 0 Wins, 1 Tie |
| Various | 8 | 8 Wins |
| Champions Trophy | 1 | 1 Win |
His coaching debut in T20I format also saw success, winning all matches against Sri Lanka in his first series. Gambhir lost only two matches out of the next nineteen, showcasing his prowess in limited-overs cricket.
Challenges in Test Cricket
Transitioning to Test cricket, however, has proven to be a tougher challenge for Gambhir. India's performance started on a low note with a complete whitewash against New Zealand. Further setbacks included losses in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, facing defeats in significant matches, including a 0-2 loss to South Africa at home.
Test Match Performance Overview
| Opponent | Matches | Results |
|---|
| New Zealand | 2 | 0 Wins |
| South Africa | 2 | 0 Wins |
| England | 4 | 2 Wins, 2 Ties |
Despite these challenges, Gambhir enjoyed some recovery with a balanced series against England, finishing 2-2, and securing a home victory against the West Indies.
Summary of His IPL Success
Gambhir’s IPL coaching experience remains impeccable. With KKR, he clinched the title in 2024 and sustained an impressive winning ratio, losing just three out of sixteen matches during the season. His prior mentorship for the Lucknow Super Giants during 2022 and 2023 also contributed to his overall cricketing achievements.
IPL Coaching Achievements
| Team | Year | Matches | Wins |
|---|
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 2024 | 16 | 13 |
| Lucknow Super Giants | 2022-2023 | - | - |
While Gambhir's coaching legacy is still developing, he remains hopeful for future victories with the Indian team as he continues to learn and adapt his strategies.