Gautam Gambhir’s tenure as India’s head coach has seen its share of major successes as well as disappointing setbacks. Under his leadership, India have lifted two major ICC trophies — the Champions Trophy 2025 and the T20 World Cup 2026. However, the team also suffered back-to-back Test series defeats at home against New Zealand and South Africa.
Former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer believes those two Test series losses could remain the biggest setbacks of Gambhir’s time as head coach. He also feels that some decisions regarding senior players in white-ball cricket could have been handled differently.
Jaffer specifically pointed to Suryakumar Yadav and Mohammed Shami while discussing Gambhir’s approach in limited-overs cricket. According to Jaffer, Suryakumar deserved better treatment after India won the T20 World Cup, while Shami was another player whose situation could have been managed differently.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Jaffer said that some players could have received better treatment, highlighting Suryakumar Yadav’s omission after the T20 World Cup and also mentioning Mohammed Shami. However, he added that Gambhir should not be blamed for India’s overall performance in white-ball cricket.
Jaffer’s biggest concern remains India’s poor Test performances at home. He highlighted the defeats against New Zealand and South Africa, saying those two whitewash series will remain associated with Gambhir’s tenure. He also noted that the losses were significant because beating India in a Test series on home soil had long been considered a major challenge for visiting teams.
According to Jaffer, Gambhir may look back at those series and feel that India could have been much higher in the World Test Championship standings had they managed to win them. He also believes there is considerable room for improvement in Test cricket, not only for Gambhir but for the players as well.
India are now attempting to move on from those setbacks. The Shubman Gill-led side are currently involved in a two-Test series against Sri Lanka and are leading 1-0. The second Test is currently underway.
India are placed fifth in the World Test Championship points table. A victory in the ongoing second Test would help the team climb to fourth position.