[Watch] “Aap khud toh kuch kiya nahin” - When Gautam Gambhir blasted then head coach Ravi Shastri for ‘best overseas team’ claim

India suffered a whitewash against New Zealand at home as the Kiwis clinched memorable wins in the recently concluded three-match Test series. After the historic loss, an old video of Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir criticizing Ravi Shastri started doing rounds online.

Ravi Shastri was appointed India’s head coach in July 2017 and continued the role for another term after being re-appointed in August 2019. Under his mentorship, the Men in Blue clinched back-to-back series wins in Australia - first in 2018/19 and then again in 2020/21.

Gambhir, on the other hand, has yet to leave a remark in his short time as the head coach. Under his leadership, India have lost a three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, won a three-match T20I series against the Islanders, won a two-match Test series and three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, and lost the most recent home Test series against the Black Caps.

In a 2019 interview with News18, Gambhir shared some critical opinions on Shastri and his coaching style. He had said:

“I can only laugh because I’m sure either Ravi Shastri doesn’t know the records or hasn’t watched the series in the past. When you haven’t won anything, you do feel that the team you coach is the best. That’s because you haven’t won anything at all. What he won was the ODI World Series. There was nothing else that he had won. I don’t remember if he has won anything outside India ever.”

Gambhir’s start to his international coaching career has been bittersweet, with a mix of wins and losses. Notably, after the recent series defeat to New Zealand at home, team India’s chance of making the World Test Championship final now lies on a thin thread.

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Gautam Gambhir and Team India gear up for 2024/25 Border Gavaskar Trophy

The India coach now faces a tough challenge as Team India not only need to win the forthcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy in Australia but also defeat the hosts by a margin of 4-0 or better. For the unversed, the BGT will witness five Tests being played from this edition.

The series commences on Friday, November 22, with the final Test scheduled to be played from January 3, 2025. The first Test will be played in Perth, followed by the second and third Tests in Adelaide and Brisbane, respectively. The iconic MCG in Melbourne will host the Boxing Day Test, with the series concluding in Sydney at the turn of the year.

The Indian selection committee has named a strong squad for the series, and the Rohit Sharma-led side would hope to work on their mistakes and make a third consecutive WTC Final.