India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has enjoyed considerable success leading the national side to victories in prestigious tournaments like the ICC Champions Trophy and Asia Cup. However, his journey in red-ball cricket as a captain started with significant challenges, including a disappointing home series defeat to New Zealand, followed by a tough tour of Australia where India faced considerable hurdles.
India coach Gautam Gambhir (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
In a recent candid interview with former India cricketer Aakash Chopra, Gambhir opened up about how that particular home series loss against New Zealand remains a pivotal, yet painful, memory. This experience, he revealed, profoundly shaped his current coaching philosophy.
The interview, broadcast during the lunch break on Day 2 of the second Test against the West Indies, saw Gambhir explain why he frequently revisits this defeat in discussions with the team.
Chopra questioned Gambhir about the perceived importance of home dominance in Test cricket. Gambhir firmly asserted that for a team to truly be considered world-class, consistent performance away from home is just as vital as winning on familiar turf. He highlighted India’s recent series in England, where a young and relatively inexperienced squad showcased remarkable resilience and determination in challenging conditions, as a testament to this philosophy.
“Being dominant at home alone isn’t enough if you aspire to win the World Test Championship. Performing away from home is equally important. What impressed me the most wasn’t just the results but the way the team fought every single day. That attitude matters more than anything,” Gambhir stated.
Reflecting further on the 3-0 home series loss to New Zealand, Gambhir admitted that it’s a memory that still stings, but one he consciously uses as a powerful teaching tool. “I don’t think I can ever forget that series, and I shouldn’t. I remind the boys of it as well. It’s crucial to remember the past sometimes, so you never take anything for granted. Everyone thought we could easily beat New Zealand, but that’s the reality of the sport,” he explained.
He concluded by emphasizing that the lingering impact of that series continues to influence his entire approach to team preparation and mindset. “For me, it’s important that the dressing room never forgets what happened against New Zealand. That experience drives us to never give an inch to the opposition,” Gambhir affirmed.