Indian cricket has entered a new phase under Gautam Gambhir, who became head coach in July 2024. His tenure has brought both highs and challenges, showing the pressure of leading a team expected to compete in every format. The most recent triumph came at the Asia Cup 2025, where India lifted their record ninth title. Yet his overall record tells a mixed story.
In Test cricket, Gambhir’s record has been poor. Under him, India have played 15 Tests, won five, lost eight, and drawn two, giving him a win rate of 33.33 per cent. The low point came with a home whitewash by New Zealand, followed by a 1-3 loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to Australia.
A 2-2 away series draw against England showed some recovery, especially with younger players like Shubman Gill and KL Rahul in key roles. By contrast, white-ball formats have brought Gambhir more success. In ODIs, India has won eight of 11 matches, with one no-result, giving him a 72.72 per cent win rate.
His T20I record is even stronger, as India won 20 of 22 matches and stayed unbeaten in every series. He also guided India to the Champions Trophy 2025, underlining his growing list of trophies despite lingering Test concerns.
India’s path to Asia Cup glory
The Asia Cup 2025 showed India at their best. They dominated Group A, winning every match, including a convincing seven-wicket victory over Pakistan that set the tone for the campaign. In the Super Four stage, they kept that form, edging Sri Lanka in a dramatic Super Over to stay unbeaten and reach the final. Their consistency spoke volumes about the balance between experienced performers and emerging stars.
The final against Pakistan in Dubai delivered the drama expected from the arch-rivals. India chose to bowl first and conceded an opening stand of 84 runs as Sahibzada Farhan hit 57 and Fakhar Zaman added 46. Kuldeep Yadav’s four for 30 changed the match, sparking a collapse that dismissed Pakistan for 146 in 19.1 overs.
India’s reply started badly as they slipped to 20 for three inside the powerplay. Yet Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 69 off 53 balls guided the chase, supported by Sanju Samson’s 24 and Shivam Dube’s 33. Despite late tension, Rinku Singh hit a boundary with his first ball to seal the title with two deliveries left.
Abhishek Sharma’s consistency across the tournament earned him Player of the Tournament, while Varma’s heroics in the final secured him the Player of the Match award. For Gambhir, the trophy reinforced his credentials as a white-ball coach capable of guiding India through tense situations.
