Gautam Gambhir Test coaching record

Former India opener Gautam Gambhir is facing intense criticism following India’s crushing 408-run defeat to South Africa in the Guwahati Test — a loss that handed the Proteas a 2–0 clean sweep and exposed major cracks in India’s red-ball setup. With pressure mounting, Gambhir’s overall Test coaching record has come under sharp focus, prompting comparisons with India’s past head coaches, including the widely scrutinized Greg Chappell. So let’s have a look at Gautam Gambhir Test coaching record.

Gambhir’s Test Numbers Paint a Concerning Picture

Since taking charge last year, Gautam Gambhir has coached India in 18 Test matches, producing:

  • 7 wins
  • 9 losses
  • 2 draws

This translates to a 38.9% win rate, one of the worst among Indian head coaches in the last 25 years. Even more striking is the loss percentage, with India losing half of their matches under his tenure — a rate higher than Chappell’s, Wright’s, Fletcher’s, Shastri’s, or Dravid’s.

For comparison:

  • Rahul Dravid (2021–2024): 14 wins, 7 losses (Win% 58.3)
  • Ravi Shastri (2017–2021): 25 wins, 13 losses (Win% 58.1)
  • Anil Kumble (2016–2017): 12 wins, 1 loss (Win% 70.6) — best among Indian coaches
  • Greg Chappell (2005–2007): 7 wins, 4 losses, 7 draws (Win% 38.9)
  • Duncan Fletcher (2011–2015): Win% 33.3

Among coaches with at least 15 Tests, only Fletcher has a poorer win rate than Gambhir.

Home Dominance Crumbles Under Gambhir

India’s home fortress — long considered the team’s greatest strength — has taken an unprecedented hit.

Under Gambhir:

  • 5 losses in 9 home Tests
  • Two home series whitewashes in 13 months
  • Clean sweeps by New Zealand and South Africa — both on Indian soil

This is historically rare. India had lost only two home series between 2000 and 2023. Now, they have lost two in back-to-back years — the first time this has happened since 1983–85.

Away Record Offers Some Relief, But Not Enough

India have shown flashes of competitiveness overseas:

  • A 2–2 draw in England
  • A 1–3 loss in Australia, where the team struggled for consistency

Compared to the Shastri–Kohli era, known for iconic away triumphs, Gambhir’s overseas performances fall well short.

Is Gambhir India’s Worst Modern Test Coach?

Statistically, no — Duncan Fletcher still holds that position.
But in terms of home defeats, decline in consistency, and loss percentage, Gambhir’s record is among the weakest in the modern era.

With India slipping in the World Test Championship race and pressure mounting from fans and former players, Gambhir has reportedly asked the BCCI to make a call on his future, acknowledging the severity of India’s decline.

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