Table of Contents
In 2024, under the leadership of head coach Gautam Gambhir, the Indian cricket team faced a series of setbacks that were starkly out of sync with their storied cricketing legacy. These challenges ranged from disappointing performances in key series to unexpected losses against lower-ranked teams, leaving fans and critics questioning the team’s preparedness and strategy. Despite being led by Gambhir, known for his aggressive approach and tactical acumen, the squad struggled to find consistency and cohesion on the field. The year was a roller-coaster ride, marked by flashes of brilliance overshadowed by frequent lapses, which exposed significant gaps in execution and adaptability.
Among the most notable low points was the team’s underwhelming showing in crucial matches that had a bearing on their standings in international competitions. Shocking defeats against less-fancied opponents and repeated failures in high-pressure situations painted a grim picture for a side once considered invincible in limited-overs cricket. Fans who had high hopes for a resurgence under Gambhir’s tenure were left disappointed as the year progressed without the expected turnaround. The stark contrast between the team’s potential and their actual performance made 2024 one of the most challenging years in recent memory for Indian cricket.
7 disheartening records India made under Gautam Gambhir
1. ODI series loss to Sri Lanka after 27 years
For the first time in nearly three decades, India lost an ODI series to Sri Lanka on Sri Lankan soil. This was a significant low, especially considering India’s dominance in bilateral series in recent years. The series, which took place in July, saw India losing 2-0, a result that many fans and analysts found hard to digest given the team’s reputation.
2. No ODI wins in a calendar year – First time in 45 years
India went through the entirety of 2024 without securing a single win in ODIs. This was an unprecedented situation for a team that has historically been a powerhouse in this format. The last time India had such a barren year was back in 1979, highlighting the severity of this setback.
3. Home Test series whitewash against New Zealand
Perhaps the most significant embarrassment was the 3-0 whitewash at home by New Zealand in October. This was the first time India were swept in a Test series on home soil since South Africa did it in 2000. The series was particularly shocking because India had been nearly unbeatable at home, making this defeat a historic low.
Also READ: A year to forget for Rohit Sharma: Breakdown of his disappointing numbers in 2024
4. Lowest Test total at home
During the Test series against New Zealand, India were bowled out for a mere 46 runs in the first innings of the opening Test at Bengaluru. This was the lowest team total for India in a Test match at home, starkly illustrating the batting collapse under pressure.
5. First loss in Chinnaswamy since 2005
The year saw India losing crucial Test matches, including their first home Test defeat to New Zealand since 1988 and their first Test loss at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru since 2005 against Pakistan. These losses were not just about the defeat but also about breaking long-standing records of invincibility at home.
6. Decision-making under scrutiny
Gambhir’s tenure also saw tactical decisions being questioned, such as the choice of rank turners for home Test matches, which backfired, leading to batting collapses. His strategy and the team’s approach were scrutinized, especially after the New Zealand series, where some choices in team selection and batting order were debated heavily.
7. Loss in Melbourne after 12 years
Despite starting the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia on a positive note (a win in Perth Test), India lost subsequent matches, including the Boxing Day Test, which they hadn’t lost in Melbourne since 2012. This series further highlighted the team’s struggles under Gambhir’s coaching.
