Team India’s recent loss in the first Test match against England has sparked serious questions about Gautam Gambhir’s role as the new head coach. The match, played under tough conditions, saw India lose by five wickets, despite five of their batters scoring centuries — a rare and historic event in Test cricket.
This defeat has led to strong opinions, including one from former England spinner Monty Panesar, who openly questioned Gambhir’s ability to build a strong bowling unit, calling it the main reason behind India’s poor result.
Gambhir’s Test Strategy Faces Tough Questions
Gautam Gambhir took over as head coach of Team India after the T20 World Cup 2024. While he brought immediate success in the shorter formats, including a Champions Trophy 2025 win, his Test record has so far been underwhelming.
Under his leadership:
- India lost a 3-0 Test series in New Zealand, a first in their history.
- India were beaten 1-3 in Australia.
- And now, the team is 1-0 down in the ongoing Test series in England.
These results have raised doubts about Gambhir’s tactical planning and team selection in the longest format of the game.
Panesar’s Strong Words on Bowling Weakness
Monty Panesar pointed out that scoring over 400 runs in a Test match and still losing shows that India’s bowling unit lacks the strength to take 20 wickets — the key to winning a Test match.
He said, “Gautam Gambhir knows how to make a team bat well. But he must now learn how to pick and manage bowlers who can win matches. If this doesn’t improve, BCCI will have to think about the future direction after the series.”
Panesar also suggested India should consider including Kuldeep Yadav or Washington Sundar in the playing XI for the second Test at Birmingham, where the pitch is expected to offer turn.
Selection Worries for Second Test in Birmingham
The Indian team will enter the second match under pressure. Sources suggest Jasprit Bumrah may be rested, while Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur could lead the pace attack.
Prasidh Krishna‘s form is also under scanner, with critics pointing out that his short-pitched deliveries have failed to trouble English batters.
India’s bowling attack, especially the pace unit, must deliver in Birmingham, or the team may go further behind in the series. The role of spinners will be crucial on a pitch that could assist turn.
Indian Fans Losing Patience?
Many fans and experts believe Gambhir has what it takes to build a fearless batting line-up, as seen during his captaincy days and in IPL. But Test cricket needs balance — and that includes a bowling line-up capable of breaking partnerships and creating pressure across five days.
If India loses the second Test, it will not only hurt their position in the World Test Championship but may also force the BCCI to review Gambhir’s role as Test coach, despite his limited time in the job.
Gambhir has never backed away from tough situations as a player. Now, he must show similar fight and adaptability as a coach — especially in the format where India still dreams of winning a series in England after more than a decade.
