‘I can never forget this’: Gautam Gambhir talks about his toughest coaching moment | Cricket News
Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir, who guided the national team to ICC Champions Trophy and Asia Cup triumphs, has not had the same success in red-ball cricket. His stint as India’s Test captain began with a disappointing home series defeat to New Zealand, followed by a difficult tour of Australia where India were humiliated. Speaking to former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra in a candid interview, Gambhir described New Zealand’s series defeat as a defining low point in his career, which continues to influence his coaching philosophy. The interview, broadcast by Star Sports during the lunch break on the second day of the second Test against the West Indies, saw Gambhir explain why he continues to bring up that defeat in conversations with the team. Chopra asked Gambhir about the importance of home domination in Test cricket. Gambhir argued that a truly world-class team must perform not only at home but also abroad. He cited India’s recent series in England as an example of a young and inexperienced team showing resilience and courage in difficult conditions. “Being dominant at home is not enough if you aspire to win the World Test Championship. Performing well away is equally important. What impressed me the most was not just the results but the way the team fought every day. That attitude matters more than anything,” he said. Reflecting on the 3-0 defeat to New Zealand at home, Gambhir admitted it remains a painful memory but one he uses as a teaching tool. “I don’t think I will ever be able to forget this series, and I shouldn’t. I remind the boys too. Sometimes it’s crucial to remember the past, so you never take anything for granted. Everyone thought we could easily beat New Zealand, but that’s the reality of sport,” he said. Gambhir added that the sting of this series continues to influence his approach to preparation and his mindset. “For me, it is important that the dressing room never forgets what happened against New Zealand. This experience pushes us to never give an inch to the opposition,” he concluded.
