The defeat increases pressure on Gambhir.
Since the the former batter took charge in July 2024, India have won seven Tests but lost 10.
The defeats by New Zealand and South Africa are added to by a 3-1 defeat in Australia last December and January, while Gambhir’s side drew 2-2 in England in the summer.
Their two series victories during his tenure have come in Bangladesh and at home to West Indies – teams that are ranked ninth and eighth respectively in the International Cricket Council’s Test rankings.
When asked about his future, Gambhir said: “It is upon (the Indian cricket board) to decide… Indian cricket is important, I’m not important.
“And people keep forgetting about it, I’m the same guy who got results for the team in England. With a very young team. And I’m the same guy who won Champions Trophy and Asia Cup as well.”
India’s approach and set up has been questioned though with commentator Harsha Bhogle posting on X, external to say: “There was an aura around the Indian team when playing in India. You can see it disappearing in the distance.
“Lots of places up for grabs in this Indian Test team. A few players not ready for this level. Question is: how many of the rest are ready?”
Former India bowler Venkatesh Prasad, who played 33 Tests between 1996 and 2001, said India displayed “rank poor tactics”.
“Really disappointed by how India is going about in Test cricket. The all-rounder obsession is absolute brain-fade, especially when you don’t bowl them,” Prasad said on X, external.
“Rank poor tactics, poor skills, poor body language and an unprecedented two series whitewash at home. Hope this does not get washed off with Test matches nine months away and this negative approach changes.
“We all love Indian cricket and it’s sad to see what’s happening over the last year and a half just to somehow prove this flawed strategy right. Can’t function on such egos in the interest of Indian cricket, truly disappointing.”
India’s next Test series is set to take place in Sri Lanka next August. They will host the T20 World Cup, alongside Sri Lanka, from 7 February.
