2024 under the leadership of the head coach Gautam Gambhirthe Indian cricket team faced a series of setbacks that were highly out of step with their storied cricketing heritage. Those challenges ranged from disappointing performances in key series to unexpected losses to lower-ranked teams, leaving fans and critics alike to question the team’s readiness and strategy. Despite being led by Gambhir, known for his aggressive approach and tactical acumen, the team struggled to find consistency and cohesion on the field. The year was a whirlwind ride, marked by flashes of brilliance overshadowed by frequent lapses, which revealed significant gaps in performance and adaptability.
Among the most prominent low points was the team’s unconvincing showing in key matches that had an impact on their standings in international competitions. Shock defeats against less-than-fancied opponents and repeated failures in high-pressure situations have painted a bleak picture for a side once considered invincible in limited-overs cricket. Fans who had high hopes of a resurgence under Gambhir’s tenure were left disappointed as the year progressed without the expected turnaround. The stark contrast between the team’s potential and their actual performance has made 2024 one of the most challenging years in recent memory for Indian cricket.
7 Disheartening Records India Made Under Gautam Gambhir
1st ODI series loss to Sri Lanka after 27 years
For the first time in almost three decades, India lost an ODI series from Sri Lanka on the soil of Sri Lanka. This was a remarkably low figure, especially given India’s dominance in bilateral series in recent years. In the series, which took place in July, India lost 2-0, a result that many fans and analysts found difficult to digest given the team’s reputation.
2. No ODI win in a calendar year – First time in 45 years
India went through the whole of 2024 without securing a single win in ODIs. This was an unprecedented situation for a team that has historically been a powerhouse in this format. The last time India had such a barren year was way back in 1979, which underlines the severity of this setback.
3. Home Test series against New Zealand
Perhaps the biggest embarrassment was the 3-0 home win New Zealand in October. This was the first time India had been defeated in a Test series on home soil since South Africa did so in 2000. The series was particularly shocking as India were virtually unbeatable at home, making this defeat a historic low.
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4. Lowest total number of tests 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. This was the team’s lowest total for India in a Test match at home, clearly illustrating the batsman’s collapse under pressure.
5. Chinnaswamy’s first defeat since 2005
The year saw India lose key Test matches, including their first home Test defeat to New Zealand since 1988 and their first Test defeat at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru since 2005 against Pakistan. These losses were not only due to defeats, but also due to the breaking of long-standing unbeaten records at home.
6. Decision-making under scrutiny
During Gambhir’s tenure, tactical decisions were also questioned, such as the selection of players changing ranks for domestic Test matches, which backfired and led to the batsman’s collapse. His strategy and team approach were scrutinized, especially after the New Zealand series, where some choices in team selection and batting order were hotly debated.
7. Defeat in Melbourne after 12 years
Despite starting Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia on the plus side (win in the Perth Test), India lost their next matches, incl Boxing Day Testwhich they haven’t lost in Melbourne since 2012. This series further highlighted the team’s struggles under Gambhir’s leadership.
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