‘Everyone thought that we would….’- Gautam Gambhir makes surprising revelation during IND vs WI 2nd Test about India’s past series defeat

India head coach Gautam Gambhir recently reflected on the shocking 0-3 Test series defeat to New Zealand at home in late 2024. The result stunned fans, as it marked India’s first home series loss in over a decade.

The Rohit Sharma-led side, known for their dominance in home conditions, struggled to find rhythm throughout the series. Despite strong individual performances, India couldn’t capitalize on key moments, allowing the Blackcaps to script history on Indian soil.

For Gambhir, the setback came early in his tenure as head coach. It was only his second Test assignment after replacing Rahul Dravid. With India entering the series as firm favorites—having just swept Bangladesh 2-0 and facing a New Zealand side missing Kane Williamson—the defeat served as a wake-up call for the team.

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Gautam Gambhir on India’s Humiliation Home Test Defeat Against New Zealand:

India endured a nightmare start to the series, collapsing for just 46 runs in the first innings of the opening Test in Bengaluru. Though the team showed some resistance later, they eventually found themselves trailing 0-1 in the series.

Hopes of a comeback faded quickly in the second Test at Pune, where India’s batting once again faltered, sealing the series defeat with one match remaining. A narrow loss in the final Test at the Wankhede completed a shocking whitewash, putting India’s World Test Championship (WTC) campaign in serious trouble and leaving fans and experts questioning the team’s approach.

Gautam Gambhir admitted that the 3-0 whitewash against New Zealand still lingers in his mind and is not easy to forget. He said the defeat serves as a constant reminder to stay vigilant and learn from past mistakes, ensuring that such setbacks don’t repeat in future series under his leadership.

He said, “ 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 not forget that. 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 that we would roll over New Zealand. In that dressing room, we need to keep reminding that New Zealand happened.”

Team India missed out on a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final after back-to-back series defeats — a 0-3 whitewash at home against New Zealand and a 1-3 loss in the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. These setbacks ultimately ended their campaign and dashed their hopes of reaching the WTC summit clash.

Gautam Gambhir on Handling Pressure as India Head Coach:

Despite a challenging start to his red-ball coaching tenure, Gautam Gambhir guided Team India to remarkable success in white-ball cricket. Under his leadership, India broke their long title drought by clinching the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup and then carried that winning momentum forward.

Gambhir’s approach and consistency paid off once again as India lifted the 2025 Champions Trophy. With two back-to-back ICC titles, the team now aims to make history by becoming the first side ever to win three consecutive ICC tournaments, as preparations begin for the highly anticipated home T20 World Cup in 2026.

He further said, “ 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.”

Gautam Gambhir added another milestone to his coaching journey by guiding India to an unbeaten run in the 2025 Asia Cup held in the UAE. Under his leadership, the Men in Blue displayed consistency and dominance throughout the tournament, ultimately lifting the trophy and extending their remarkable streak in white-ball cricket.