South Africa achieved a historic victory against India, marking the largest run defeat in their cricket history. This loss accentuates ongoing struggles for India under head coach Gautam Gambhir. Since taking the reins in July 2024, Gambhir has recorded seven wins but faced ten defeats in Test matches. Significant losses include unsuccessful outings against New Zealand and South Africa, compounded by a 3-1 defeat in Australia late last year.
Recent Performance Overview
- Gautam Gambhir’s Tenure: July 2024 – Present
- Overall Test Wins: 7
- Overall Test Losses: 10
- Key Defeats: New Zealand, South Africa, Australia (3-1)
In addition to these defeats, India had a 2-2 draw during their summer tour in England. The team’s victories under Gambhir have come against lower-ranked opponents: Bangladesh and the West Indies, placing ninth and eighth in the ICC Test rankings respectively.
Expert Opinions on India’s Form
India’s dismal performance has drawn criticism from cricket commentators and former players. Harsha Bhogle expressed concerns on X, stating the declining aura of the Indian cricket team, particularly during home games. He noted that many spots in the team are up for grabs, indicating a lack of readiness among players for this competitive level.
Former India bowler Venkatesh Prasad also voiced his disappointment on social media. He criticized India’s strategies as “rank poor tactics” and pointed to a fixation on all-rounders that he deemed ineffective. Prasad lamented the unprecedented situation of facing two series whitewashes at home and called for a change in approach before the upcoming matches.
Looking Ahead
India will face a critical Test series against Sri Lanka in August 2025. Moreover, the country is set to co-host the T20 World Cup starting February 7, 2025. The pressure is mounting on the Indian team to reshape their strategy and regain their former strength in the cricketing arena.
