Under the leadership of the head coach in 2024 Gautam GambhirThe Indian cricket team has faced a series of setbacks that are completely out of step with their cricketing heritage. These problems ranged from disappointing performances in the majors, to unexpected losses against lower-ranked teams, to fans and critics questioning the team’s preparation and strategy. Despite being led by Gambhir, known for his aggressive approach and tactical acumen, the squad struggled to find consistency and unity on the field. The year was a roller-coaster ride, marked by a bright glow often overshadowed by interruptions that revealed significant gaps in execution and alignment.
Among the most notable low points was the team’s poor performances in important matches that affected its standing in international competitions. Shock defeats against lesser-fancied opponents and repeated failures in high-pressure situations painted a grim picture for a side once considered unbeatable in limited-overs cricket. Fans who had high hopes of a resurgence under Gambhir were disappointed as the year went by without the expected turnaround. The stark contrast between the team’s potential and their actual performance has made 2024 one of the toughest years for Indian cricket in recent memory.
7 heartbreaking record of India under Gautam Gambhir
1. ODI series loss to Sri Lanka after 27 years
For the first time in nearly three decades, India lost an ODI series Sri Lanka On the soil of Sri Lanka. This was a significant underperformance, especially given India’s dominance in bilateral series in recent years. India’s 2-0 loss in the series in July saw a result that many fans and analysts found difficult to digest given the team’s prestige.
2. No ODI wins in a calendar year – first time in 45 years
India went the entire year of 2024 without a win in ODIs. It was an unprecedented situation for a team that has historically been a powerhouse in this format. India last experienced such a barren year in 1979, underscoring the severity of this setback.
3. Home Test series whitewash against New Zealand
Perhaps the most significant embarrassment was a 3-0 home rout New Zealand in October. It was India’s first Test series sweep on home soil since South Africa in 2000. The series was particularly shocking as India were virtually unbeaten at home, reducing that defeat to an all-time low.
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4. Lowest Test total at home
During the Test series against New Zealand, India were bowled out for just 46 runs in the first innings of the opening Test in Bengaluru. It was a team low for India in a test match at home and clearly demonstrated the collapse of the batting under pressure.
5. Chinnaswamy’s first defeat since 2005
It has lost crucial Test matches this year, including India’s first home Test defeat to New Zealand since 1988 and its first Test defeat against Pakistan at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru since 2005. These losses were not only about losing, but also about breaking long unbeaten streaks at home.
6. Controlled decision-making
Gambhir’s tenure also saw tactical decisions called into question, such as the selection of ranked spinners for test matches at home, which backfired and led to the collapse of the batting. His strategy and the team’s approach were scrutinized, especially after the New Zealand series where some options in team selection and batting order were much debated.
7. Loss in Melbourne after 12 years
despite the start Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia on a positive note (victory in Perth Test), India lost subsequent matches including Boxing Day TestThey are unbeaten in Melbourne since 2012. This series further highlighted the team’s struggles under Gambhir’s coaching.
