Since Gautam Gambhir took charge as head coach of the India in July 2024, the team has seen mixed results. India enjoyed success in limited-overs tournaments and bilateral T20I series, but Test and ODI formats have brought several tough moments.
India have lost multiple Test and ODI series under Gambhir, including a few defeats that created unwanted records. Below is a updated breakdown of all the series India lost during his coaching tenure, with context and impact.
Overall Match List Under Gautam Gambhir (Till Jan 2026)
- Test Matches: 19
- Wins: 7
- Losses: 10
- Draws: 2
- ODI & T20I Combined: Strong win record, including ICC Champions Trophy 2025
- Major Concern: Red-ball consistency and home dominance in ODIs
Test Series India Lost Under Gambhir
1) India vs New Zealand – Home Test Series (2024)
This series turned into one of the biggest shocks in Indian Test history.
- Result: India lost 0–3
- Venues: Bengaluru, Pune, Mumbai
- Why it hurt:
- First home Test series loss to New Zealand since 1988
- First home Test whitewash since 2000
- India were bowled out for 46 in one innings, their lowest home Test score
This defeat ended India long dominance at home and raised serious questions about red-ball preparation.
Also see: Virat Kohli vs Sachin Tendulkar After 85 Centuries
2) Border–Gavaskar Trophy – Australia Tour (2024–25)
- Result: India lost 1–3
- Highlight: One big win, followed by losses in key matches
- Why it mattered:
- India lost the Border–Gavaskar Trophy after nearly a decade
- Broke India recent strong overseas Test run
Despite individual brilliance, India could not control crucial sessions.
3) India vs South Africa – Home Test Series (2025)
- Result: India lost 0–2
- Impact:
- One of India heaviest Test defeats by margin at home
- Exposed middle-order and pace-bowling depth
This was India third Test series loss under Gambhir and a major setback before the WTC cycle ended.
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ODI Series India Lost Under Gambhir
1) India vs Sri Lanka – Away ODI Series (2024)
- Result: India lost 0–2 (one match tied)
- Why historic:
- First ODI series loss to Sri Lanka since 1997
- India lost 30 wickets across three matches
Spin vulnerability and poor shot selection stood out.
2) India vs Australia – Away ODI Series (2025)
- Result: Series loss
- Context: Played during the Australia tour
- Issue: Lack of consistency in batting collapses and death bowling
Though not a whitewash, the series added pressure before major tournaments.
3) India vs New Zealand – Home ODI Series (2026)
- Result: India lost 1–2
- Decider: Lost final match at Indore
- Why it was painful:
- First-ever home ODI series loss to New Zealand
- Came just months after beating the same team in an ICC final
This defeat triggered heavy debate on team selection and strategy.
Complete List: Lost Series Under Gautam Gambhir
| Format | Opponent | Venue | Year | Result | Key Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | New Zealand | Home | 2024 | Lost 0–3 | Home whitewash |
| Test | Australia | Away | 2024–25 | Lost 1–3 | Lost BGT after 10 years |
| Test | South Africa | Home | 2025 | Lost 0–2 | Heavy defeat |
| ODI | Sri Lanka | Away | 2024 | Lost 0–2 | First loss since 1997 |
| ODI | Australia | Away | 2025 | Lost | Inconsistent batting |
| ODI | New Zealand | Home | 2026 | Lost 1–2 | First home loss |
The upcoming overseas tours and home seasons will define Gambhir legacy as coach. With young players settling in and senior players still contributing, the focus now is restoring red-ball authority and ODI consistency.
