Gautam Gambhir’s future as India’s head coach rests on BGT 2024-25 results, with the BCCI scrutinizing every decision in this high-stakes series.
Gautam Gambhir's term as the head coach of the Indian cricket team might be briefer than what was originally expected. He was appointed in July, and the new series Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 is about to commence with the team Australia, under massive observation, will test whether Gambhir makes it long-term or has a shorter time frame.
Thus far, his tenure is a mixed bag, but this could be what marks his duration or departure in the high-profile series with Australia. Gambhir's tenure, too, has been like any other, with the positives and negatives. The contentious calls he has made, one after the other, put him on a knife's edge, with the BCCI watching his every move closely.
Gambhir's Story As Head Coach
After assuming Rahul Dravid's mantle, Gambhir's head-coaching stint has not exactly been a smooth sail either. He began with the kind of promise that resilience offered, as India hammered Sri Lanka 3-0 in T20I series. But soon India lost an ODI series to Sri Lanka, which for the first time in 27 years. The defeat was a historical setback and not a very smooth start to Gambhir's career, but he gained momentum with a clean sweep in a Test series against Bangladesh, followed by a 3-0 T20I series win over the Tigers.
India finally was really tested in the Test series against New Zealand, which they lost by 0-3 away from home. That resulted in India's first ever series defeat at home since 2012 and a series whitewash in their soil for the very first time in three or more matches. It is most embarrassing that they had been outplayed by New Zealand during the series when it hosted them without their best available players Kane Williamson and Mitchell Santner. This loss has raised many questions regarding Gambhir's leadership and compelled the BCCI to re-examine his strategies.
Questionable Gambhir Decisions
Criticism has also gained momentum over the unorthodox choices of Gambhir. For instance, the insistence on a spin-friendly pitch in Mumbai did not go well with the BCCI officials, especially when New Zealand had already won on a spinning pitch in Pune. Gambhir also chose two pacers on dry pitches and unusual batting orders, which were again criticized. The fans and experts were confused when Mohammed Siraj was used as a nightwatchman or Ravindra Jadeja was sent ahead of Sarfaraz Khan.
One of the biggest questions has been over Washington Sundar's batting position. Sundar, who averaged 44.5 runs, often batted lower down in the order, while Ravichandran Ashwin, who scored just 51 runs at an average of 8.5, was pushed up.
This little detail might have become a big difference, as Sundar was in his best form.
A Major Influence on Team Selection
For the first time in its history, the BCCI included Gambhir in the selection committee of the BGT 2024-25. With this, Gambhir took a huge amount of influence over player choice. Gambhir played an instrumental role in choosing Harshit Rana for the series against Australia, though Rana has limited experience in first-class cricket. It is after watching that growth with Kolkata Knight Riders that Gambhir trusted Rana's potential, yet to many it was surprising not to give Rana a match or two with India A in Australia to gain valuable experience on bouncy pitches before finding a spot on the national squad.
The BGT in the Deciding Factor
Well, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is just weeks ahead, and this one surely stands as the toughest test Gambhir has ever faced while leading the team. Their show in the series would hold the key to the coach's future with the Indian squad; if India fails to qualify, then it is possibly the end of his era as a head coach as well, and an open chapter for him, with the team.
Besides putting Gambhir's strategic approach and adaptability to the test, this Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 will also be a test for the players. His decisions and strategies are bold, and the fans, analysts, and BCCI will be keen to see whether his approach gives him the desired result or backfires. Gambhir's fate now lies in the hands of the players and results on the field as the Indian team gears up to face Australia.
