Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir spoke about the shocking 0-3 home series loss to New Zealand in late 2024 amid the second Test against the West Indies.
Gambhir stated that the team must focus on the future and added that the defeat should remain a reminder of the low point in Indian cricket.
India, led by Rohit Sharma, had suffered a whitewash at the hands of New Zealand. Notably, it was their first home Test series loss since 2012 and their first winless home series in over two decades. It was Gautam Gambhir’s second assignment as head coach in red-ball cricket after taking over from Rahul Dravid.
India Failed to Advance to ICC World Test Championship 2025 Final
India, led by Rohit Sharma, entered the home series against New Zealand as favourites after a 2-0 win over Bangladesh. With the visitors missing their star batter Kane Williamson, expectations were sky-high for another home triumph.
However, the series began on a disastrous note as India were bowled out for just 46 runs in the Bengaluru Test. The hosts failed to bounce back in Pune, suffering another defeat that confirmed a rare series loss with one match remaining.
A narrow defeat in Mumbai completed a 3-0 whitewash, ending India’s 12-year unbeaten home streak. The humiliation disrupted India’s World Test Championship campaign. The loss dented their chances, and a 1-3 defeat in the following Border-Gavaskar series in Australia later confirmed their elimination.
Everyone Thought We Would Roll Over New Zealand – Gautam Gambhir
Speaking on JioHotstar, Gautam Gambhir admitted that many expected India to dominate New Zealand, but the shocking loss remains etched in his coaching tenure as a lesson that cannot be forgotten.
“If I am being honest, and speak from the heart, I don’t think that in my coaching tenure, I can ever forget that, and I should never forget that,” Gambhir said.
“I have told this to the boys as well, it is important to look forward, but sometimes it is also important to remember the past as well. Everyone thought we would roll over New Zealand. In that dressing room, we need to keep reminding that New Zealand happened,” he added.
The Pressure Is On Me Every Day – Gautam Gambhir
Despite a challenging beginning to his red-ball coaching tenure, Gautam Gambhir has guided Team India to sustained success in white-ball cricket. The team clinched the 2025 Champions Trophy under the leadership of Rohit Sharma.
India have the opportunity to become the first team to win three consecutive ICC white-ball tournaments. The side will be hoping to continue their winning streak under Gambhir’s leadership at the home T20 World Cup in 2026.
“The pressure is on me every day. Whether it be after the New Zealand debacle, whether it be after Australia or after winning the Champions Trophy. Ultimately, we are representing 140 crore Indians,” Gambhir said.