5 masterstrokes by Gautam Gambhir as Team India's head coach
What's the story
Gautam Gambhir's tenure as the head coach of the Indian cricket team has been a mixed bag. Since taking over in July 2024, the team has seen its fair share of ups and downs. Under him, the Indian team suffered home Test series defeats against New Zealand and South Africa. However, Gambhir also led India to two major ICC titles: the Champions Trophy in 2025 and the T20 World Cup in 2026. Here we look at the five masterstrokes by Gambhir in his tenure.
#1
The recall of Varun Chakravarthy
Gambhir brought back mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy in the T20I team after the latter's success in the Indian Premier League.
Having played his previous T20I in 2021, Chakravarthy made a comeback in 2024 and soon became an integral part of the side.
Since his comeback, the spinner has claimed 72 T20I wickets at a stellar average of 16.01, as per Cricinfo.
He even claimed a five-wicket haul against New Zealand during the 2025 Champions Trophy.
#2
Gill's shift to number four in Tests
Following Virat Kohli's Test retirement last year, Shubman Gill was chosen to fill the crucial number-four position.
Though Gill blew hot and cold while operating in the top three, he has been a run-scoring machine at four.
His 1,089 runs at the position have come at a gigantic average of 77.78. This includes six tons across 16 innings.
Gill was also chosen as India's Test skipper ahead of more experienced players like Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul.
#3
Samson's promotion as an opener
Sanju Samson tasted remarkable success while batting at three and four in the Indian Premier League.
However, his position in the T20I set-up was only settled after he was promoted as an opener.
Samson made full use of the opportunity and even smashed back-to-back T20I tons in 2024.
Though he was briefly dropped from the side in 2025, he bounced back and was named the Player of the Tournament in the 2026 T20 World Cup.
#4
Instilling a fearless culture in T20Is
Though Gambhir's impact in Tests and ODIs can be questioned, he must be credited for the success of the T20I side.
Following the T20I retirements of Rohit Sharma and Kohli, Gambhir transformed the team into a hyper-aggressive batting unit.
Owing to the same, India posted 250-plus totals in the semi-final and final of the 2026 T20 WC.
#5
Backing players amid tough times
While Gambhir has been criticized for his handling of a few players, he has also backed some important names in tough times.
Suryakumar Yadav retained his position as the T20I skipper despite a poor 2025 season.
As a result, he found form in 2026 and powered India to World Cup glory.
Similarly, India continued to trust Abhishek Sharma despite his regular failures in the last T20 WC.
The move paid off as the southpaw blasted an 18-ball fifty in the final against New Zealand.