Cannot forget India's 3-0 Test series loss to NZ: Gambhir
What's the story
Gautam Gambhir, the head coach of the Indian men's cricket team, has opened up about India's shocking 3-0 Test series defeat against New Zealand at home in late 2024. The loss was India's first Test series defeat on home soil in 12 years. "If I am being honest, and speak from the heart, I don't think that in my coaching tenure, I can ever forget that," Gambhir told JioHotstar.
Learning lessons
Gambhir on the importance of remembering past failures
Gambhir stressed the need to remember past failures as a way to learn and improve. "I have told this to the boys as well, it is important to look forward, but sometimes it is also important to remember the past as well," he said. He added that everyone in the dressing room thought India would easily beat New Zealand before the series started.
Historical context
Impact of the defeat on India's World Test Championship campaign
The 3-0 whitewash by New Zealand was also the first time India had failed to win a Test series at home since losing 2-0 to South Africa in 2000. The defeat severely dented India's chances of qualifying for a third World Test Championship final. They eventually failed to qualify after losing 3-1 to Australia on their turf. Meanwhile, India are currently up against West Indies in the second and final Test of the series in Delhi.
Career transitions
Final home series for Rohit, Ashwin, and Kohli
The final Test of the series against New Zealand in Mumbai was the last home game for Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin. Ashwin announced his retirement from all formats of international cricket in December. Meanwhile, Sharma and Kohli announced their Test retirements in May this year. However, they will be seen in action during a three-match ODI series against Australia starting October 19 in Perth.