India’s Test coach Gautam Gambhir is in deep water following another poor show by the national Test team. As India was edging closer toward a possible 0-2 series loss against South Africa at home, the pressure on Gambhir mounted and even Iceland Cricket couldn’t help but mock the former opening batter’s position.
Iceland Cricket Takes A Dig at Gautam Gambhir’s Coaching
To all our fans, no, Gautam Gambhir will not be invited to be our new national team coach. That position is already filled and we won 75% of our matches in 2025.
— Iceland Cricket (@icelandcricket) November 24, 2025
The barb comes amid growing criticism in India, where fans and analysts alike are questioning Gambhir’s tactical acumen and his ability to inspire a Test side that once prided itself on dominance in long-format cricket.
How Has India Fared in Tests Under Gambhir?
India’s performances in Test cricket under Gambhir have raised eyebrows. Once a fortress for home Tests, the record has slipped. India have lost several key home Tests and with the second Test against South Africa still underway, a series loss could mark yet another major setback.
Critics cite Gambhir’s handling of the batting lineup and experimental selection. For example, during the series, Washington Sundar was used in wildly different batting positions, which many believe is too unorthodox for Test cricket.
What are the main criticisms against Gambhir’s coaching?
Selection Risk-Taking: Experts are questioning Gambhir’s radical batting orders. Moving a player like Sundar up and down the order in Test cricket has raised eyebrows.
Tactical Misfires: Observers feel his tactics in Test games are not long-term and structured. Test cricket often requires stability, something critics say is missing.
Leadership Question: Some feel that Gambhir hasn’t demonstrated the required leadership qualities to rebuild the Test side’s identity and confidence.
Results Deficit: The results simply aren’t going India’s way under his leadership-especially at home, where expectations are highest.
Could Gambhir Be Sacked as India’s Test Coach?
That sounds like a realistic possibility to several insiders. No official word has come from BCCI to confirm his exit, but speculation is rife. If India lose this second Test, the questions over Gambhir’s job security will be out in the open.
Removing Gambhir could signal a shift for India in Test cricket. With questions swirling over how he’d manage senior and young players alike, some believe the BCCI may prefer someone with long-format cricket experience or at least a strong track record in Test strategy.
