Team India began their five-match Test tour of England with a crushing defeat in the final session of Day 5 in the opening Test. Despite scoring over 800 runs in the match and boasting five individual centuries, India failed to secure a win and slumped to a demoralizing loss. This result marked India’s seventh defeat in their last nine Tests, further intensifying the pressure on newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir, who has so far failed to arrest the team’s downward spiral in the longest format.

Former India cricketer and prominent analyst Aakash Chopra weighed in on the situation, stating that Gambhir is under significant scrutiny. "There is a lot of pressure on Gautam Gambhir. The pressure is absolutely mounting. If you look at his performances in Test cricket, you will find that he has not won a lot of matches," Chopra remarked on his YouTube channel. He further highlighted Gambhir’s record, mentioning victories against Bangladesh and Australia, but also losses to New Zealand, Australia, and now England.

"He won two matches against Bangladesh and one against Australia. However, he lost three against New Zealand, three against Australia, and one against England. He has been continuously losing," Chopra said bluntly, drawing attention to the alarming pattern of defeats under Gambhir’s leadership.

"No Excuses" If Series Lost, Warns Chopra

Chopra didn’t mince words when talking about Gambhir’s future, suggesting that another series loss could put his role in jeopardy. "But in Test cricket, I think the questions are going to be there. And I think there is a lot of pressure on this series," he warned. "If the England series doesn't go too well, then there will be a question mark—where are they going and what are they doing? Because the selectors will feel that whatever team management is asking for, it is being given."

See Also: WATCH: Rohit Sharma spotted vacationing in Italy with wife Ritika Sajdeh amid India vs England Test series

He continued, "The type of player you want, the number of players you want, and the player you are pointing at are being given. So, if that is the case, you need to deliver the results. Period. There are no excuses," Chopra concluded.

Meanwhile, Gambhir has maintained confidence in his young bowling group despite the setback at Headingley. India, managing Jasprit Bumrah’s workload due to past injuries, plans to play him in only three of the five Tests. As per reports, Bumrah is likely to be rested for the second Test in Edgbaston, further testing India’s depth and Gambhir’s faith in the squad.