Gautam Gambhir's record as an Indian batsman was exceptional, and it was expected that he would achieve similar success as the head coach of Team India. However, since Gambhir took over as head coach, India has suffered some humiliating defeats, negating the hard work of previous coaches.
Gambhir became the head coach of Team India in July 2024, and since then, India has experienced several ups and downs in international cricket. While India won the Champions Trophy 2025 and the Asia Cup 2025 titles, there have also been some defeats that are best forgotten. A home Test series loss for the first time in 12 years and a clean sweep for the first time in 25 years have left a major stain on Team India's reputation. Here's a look at the list of embarrassing records under Gautam Gambhir's coaching.
First ODI series loss at home to New Zealand in 37 years
In 2024, the Indian team, which had already suffered a humiliating 0-3 Test series defeat at home against New Zealand, faced further embarrassment against the Kiwis at home. In the third and decisive ODI match played in Indore, New Zealand defeated India by 41 runs, winning the three-match series 1-0.
Virat Kohli scored his 54th ODI century, but even that couldn't save the team from defeat. In 2024, under Gautam Gambhir's coaching, India lost a Test series to New Zealand after 36 years, and now in 2026, under the same Gautam Gambhir's coaching, India has lost a Test series at home to New Zealand for the first time in 37 years.
Notably, the New Zealand team comprised several young players, including Christian Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Aditya Ashok, and Jack Foulkes, who all made their debuts in this series. This is the first time New Zealand, which first toured India in 1989, has won a bilateral series against India. This also marks the first time since 2019 that India has lost an ODI series at home. With this defeat, the Indian team's unbeaten record in ODIs at the Holkar Stadium in Indore was broken. This is India's first loss in eight matches played at this venue. The team's defeat has raised questions about the strategies of both Indian coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill.
Under Gambhir's tenure, the team has lost five home Tests and, for the first time, a home ODI series against New Zealand. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill is currently struggling with his form, which led to his exclusion from the T20 team. Now, losing a series on home ground has weakened his credibility as a captain.
Gautam Gambhir's coaching tenure: India's poor records
First ODI series loss to Sri Lanka since 1997 - August 2024
First home Test series loss to New Zealand since 1988
First home Test series loss since 2012 – November 2024
First clean sweep in a home Test series since 2000 – November 2024
Lowest score (46) in a home Test – October 2024
Largest Test defeat by runs – November 2025
Failed to reach the World Test Championship final for the first time
Lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time since 2015
First home ODI series loss to New Zealand - 2026
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