Gautam Gambhir Creates Unwanted Record, Becomes First Indian Head Coach To Lose Five Home Tests
Since Gambhir’s appointment as head coach in July 2024, India have played nine home Tests but won only four—two each against Bangladesh and the West Indies. India lost three home Tests against New Zealand in October-November 2024 and two Tests against South Africa in November 2025.
India suffered a humiliating defeat by 408 runs against South Africa in the second Test at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. On Day 5 of the match, India needed 549 runs in their second innings to beat the Temba Bavuma-led side, but Rishabh Pant’s team managed only 140 runs in 63.5 overs. This defeat in Guwahati, India’s biggest loss by runs in Test cricket, added a negative record to Gambhir’s name. He became the first Indian head coach to lose five home Tests.
Since Gambhir’s appointment as head coach in July 2024, India have played nine home Tests but won only four—two each against Bangladesh and the West Indies. India lost three home Tests against New Zealand in October-November 2024 and two Tests against South Africa in November 2025.
Gambhir Breaks Unwanted Record in Home Tests
The previous record for losing the most home Tests as India’s head coach was held by John Wright. India played 24 home Tests under Wright from 2000 to 2005 and lost four matches. Other coaches had fewer home defeats: Greg Chappell, Ravi Shastri, and Anil Kumble lost one each, while Gary Kirsten, Duncan Fletcher, and Rahul Dravid lost two each.
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India’s Home Test Record Under Coaches Since 2000
| Coach | Matches | Won | Lost | Draw | Series Loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Wright | 24 | 11 | 4 | 9 | 1 |
| Greg Chappell | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Gary Kirsten | 19 | 10 | 2 | 7 | 0 |
| Duncan Fletcher | 15 | 11 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Anil Kumble | 13 | 10 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Ravi Shastri | 19 | 15 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| Rahul Dravid | 13 | 9 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Gautam Gambhir | 9 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 2 |
Gautam Gambhir's records as Head coach of Team India :-
— Paras (@parasVK) November 26, 2025
- Lost ODI series against SL after 27 years.
- India won 0 ODIs in a calendar year after 45 years.
- India lost a Home test vs NZ after 36 years
- India Lost test match at chinnaswamy after 19 years.
- For the 1st time lost… pic.twitter.com/kVP17hj4Au
India Whitewashed at Home Only Three Times in 93 Years
In the 93-year history of Test cricket, India has been whitewashed at home only three times. The first was in 2000 when Hansie Cronje-led South Africa won a two-match series 2-0. In October-November 2024, New Zealand whitewashed India in a three-match series. On November 26, 2025, South Africa repeated the feat, marking their first home series win in India in 25 years.
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