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Xtra Time Web Desk: Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has openly criticized Gautam Gambhir’s tenure as the Indian team’s head coach following India’s disheartening 0-3 Test series defeat at home against New Zealand. The loss marks India’s first-ever three-match series whitewash on home soil, with the final 25-run defeat in Mumbai serving as the tipping point for widespread concern.

Speaking on Monday, Gavaskar didn’t hold back when asked about Gambhir’s ongoing role. He pointed to India’s recent performances, including their defeat to Sri Lanka in August, saying, “The results speak for themselves. Even in Sri Lanka, India lost an ODI series after a long time. And now here, it's a loss, it's a terrible loss.”

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Gambhir, like senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, is reportedly under scrutiny, and his position may be in jeopardy if India doesn’t bounce back during the upcoming five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. A senior BCCI source revealed to PTI that Gambhir had been granted unprecedented access, even attending selection committee meetings, a privilege not extended to previous coaches like Ravi Shastri or Rahul Dravid.

There are growing concerns regarding Gambhir’s tactical choices, including sending Mohammed Siraj as a night-watchman and Sarfaraz Khan at No.8 in the recent New Zealand series. His decision to opt for a rank turner in Mumbai, despite the Indian team’s struggles against spin, has also raised eyebrows, adding to the mounting pressure on the head coach.

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