In 2024 under the leadership of the coach Gautam Gambhirthe Indian cricket team faced a series of setbacks that were grossly out of sync with their proud cricketing heritage. These challenges ranged from disappointing performances in the main series to unexpected losses against lower-ranked teams, leaving fans and pundits questioning the team's preparation and strategy. Despite being led by Gambhir, known for his aggressive approach and tactical acumen, the team struggled to find consistency and cohesion on the pitch. The year was full of ups and downs, marked by flashes of brilliance overshadowed by repeated missteps, revealing significant gaps in execution and adaptability.
Among the most notable low points was the team's disappointing performance in decisive matches, which had an impact on their ranking in international competitions. Shocking defeats to lesser-known opponents and repeated failures in high-pressure situations painted a bleak picture for a team previously considered invincible in limited-overs cricket. Fans who had high hopes for a resurgence under Gambhir were disappointed as the year progressed without the expected turnaround. The stark contrast between the team's potential and its actual performance has made 2024 one of the most challenging years in recent memory for Indian cricket.
7 disappointing records India achieved 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 territory. This was a very low bar, especially considering India's dominance in bilateral series in recent years. The series, which took place in July, saw India lose 2-0, a result that many fans and analysts found difficult to digest given the team's reputation.
2. No player has won an ODI in a calendar year – first in 45 years
India have gone through the entire year of 2024 without a single ODI win. This was an unprecedented situation for a team that has historically been a powerhouse in this format. The last time India experienced such a barren year was in 1979, highlighting the seriousness of this setback.
3. Whitewash for home Test series against New Zealand
Perhaps the most significant embarrassment was a 3-0 home win New Zealand In October. This was the first time India had been swept in a Test series at home since South Africa did so in 2000. The series was particularly shocking because India had been almost unbeatable at home, making this defeat a historic low.
also Read: A year to forget for Rohit Sharma: Details of his disappointing numbers in 2024
4. Lowest test score at home
During the Test series against New Zealand, India were bowled out for just 46 runs in the first innings of the opening Test in Bengaluru. This was the lowest total for Team India in a Test match at home, starkly illustrating the collapse of their batting under pressure.
5. Chinnaswamy's first loss since 2005
The year saw India lose 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 weren't just about defeat, they were also about breaking the Invincibles' long-standing home run records.
6. Decision making under scrutiny
Gambhir's tenure also saw tactical decisions called into question, such as the choice of order-makers for home Test matches, which backfired, leading to the collapse of the batting. His strategy and team approach were scrutinised, especially after the New Zealand series, where some of the choices in team selection and batting order were hotly debated.
7. Loss in Melbourne after 12 years
Although starting Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia On the positive side (winning the Perth Test), India lost the subsequent matches, incl Boxing day testwhich they had not lost in Melbourne since 2012. This series also highlighted the team's struggles under Gambhir's coaching.
