The current series has highlighted the challenges faced by a team in the midst of rebuilding after the exits of prominent figures such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin. Since Gambhir took over as head coach, India has encountered difficulties, including losses in Test series against New Zealand and South Africa on home soil, as well as a challenging tour of Australia.
Current Standing and Performance
In the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, India has secured five wins out of ten matches, placing them fifth in the rankings, trailing behind Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. Notably, the team suffered a 2-0 whitewash at home against South Africa in 2025, following a 3-0 defeat to New Zealand in the previous WTC cycle. Gambhir is the only coach in Indian history to oversee two home Test series whitewashes.
Despite these setbacks, Gambhir remains optimistic about the team's trajectory. "Rankings do not matter. We are not struggling. Since the England tour, we have been playing consistent cricket," he stated in anticipation of the Colombo Test. He further clarified that his primary objective is to secure tournament victories rather than focus on rankings. "My job is to win trophies. That's all I believe in and care for. That is the difference between me and everyone. I don't care about views or likes," he added.
Looking Ahead to the Second Test
As the second Test approaches, Gambhir indicated that the selection of the bowling lineup will be crucial for the team's success. "We will try to field the best bowling attack that can get us 20 wickets," he remarked, underscoring the importance of a strong performance in the upcoming match. The discussions surrounding the potential for separate coaching roles for red-ball and white-ball formats continue, as Gambhir navigates the complexities of leading a team in transition.
