India head coach Gautam Gambhir’s future appears uncertain as the team faces the prospect of a 0-2 Test series defeat against South Africa. Gambhir, who currently oversees the side across all three formats,
may prompt the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to explore alternative options for the longest format, given India’s disappointing performances under his tenure so far.
Amid growing debate over Gambhir’s position as India’s Test coach, Iceland Cricket took a cheeky dig at the former opener. Known for their witty and often sarcastic posts on social media, Iceland Cricket remarked that Gambhir would not be invited to take up the role of their national team’s head coach, a jibe aimed at India’s recent struggles in the Test arena.
"To all our fans, no, Gautam Gambhir will not be invited to be our new national team coach. That position is already filled and we won 75% of our matches in 2025," Iceland Cricket wrote on X.
While the BCCI has issued no official indication that Gambhir will be removed from his role, the pressure surrounding his position as India's Test head coach is mounting rapidly. His future has become a central topic of discussion among fans and experts alike.
Under Gambhir, India’s once-invincible home record in Test cricket has taken a severe hit. The team has lost four of their last six home Tests, including a rare series whitewash against New Zealand, and now faces the possibility of another home series sweep at the hands of South Africa.
The situation is historic in its implications. India last lost a Test series at home to South Africa in 2000. A draw or defeat in the ongoing Guwahati Test would mark the team’s first home series loss to the Proteas in 25 years, further intensifying scrutiny on the coaching setup.
Gambhir’s decisions regarding the batting order have also come under heavy criticism. Washington Sundar, promoted to No. 3 in the first Test, was pushed down to No. 8 in the second. While such tactical flexibility is more common in T20 cricket, many experts argue that Test cricket demands structure and stability, qualities they believe have been lacking under Gambhir’s leadership.
