In 2024, underneath the management of head coach Gautam Gambhir, the Indian cricket crew confronted a sequence of setbacks that had been starkly out of sync with their storied cricketing legacy. These challenges ranged from disappointing performances in key sequence to surprising losses in opposition to lower-ranked groups, leaving followers and critics questioning the crew’s preparedness and technique. Regardless of being led by Gambhir, identified for his aggressive strategy and tactical acumen, the squad struggled to search out consistency and cohesion on the sector. The yr was a roller-coaster experience, marked by flashes of brilliance overshadowed by frequent lapses, which uncovered vital gaps in execution and adaptableness.
Among the many most notable low factors was the crew’s underwhelming exhibiting in essential matches that had a bearing on their standings in worldwide competitions. Stunning defeats in opposition to less-fancied opponents and repeated failures in high-pressure conditions painted a grim image for a aspect as soon as thought of invincible in limited-overs cricket. Followers who had excessive hopes for a resurgence underneath Gambhir’s tenure had been left disillusioned because the yr progressed with out the anticipated turnaround. The stark distinction between the crew’s potential and their precise efficiency made 2024 probably the most difficult years in current reminiscence for Indian cricket.
7 disheartening data India made underneath Gautam Gambhir
1. ODI sequence loss to Sri Lanka after 27 years
For the primary time in practically three a long time, India misplaced an ODI sequence to Sri Lanka on Sri Lankan soil. This was a major low, particularly contemplating India’s dominance in bilateral sequence in recent times. The sequence, which came about in July, noticed India dropping 2-0, a consequence that many followers and analysts discovered laborious to digest given the crew’s popularity.
2. No ODI wins in a calendar yr – First time in 45 years
India went by the whole lot of 2024 with out securing a single win in ODIs. This was an unprecedented state of affairs for a crew that has traditionally been a powerhouse on this format. The final time India had such a barren yr was again in 1979, highlighting the severity of this setback.
3. Dwelling Check sequence whitewash in opposition to New Zealand
Maybe essentially the most vital embarrassment was the 3-0 whitewash at house by New Zealand in October. This was the primary time India had been swept in a Check sequence on house soil since South Africa did it in 2000. The sequence was significantly stunning as a result of India had been practically unbeatable at house, making this defeat a historic low.
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4. Lowest Check whole at house
Through the Check sequence in opposition to New Zealand, India had been bowled out for a mere 46 runs within the first innings of the opening Check at Bengaluru. This was the bottom crew whole for India in a Check match at house, starkly illustrating the batting collapse underneath strain.
5. First loss in Chinnaswamy since 2005
The yr noticed India dropping essential Check matches, together with their first house Check defeat to New Zealand since 1988 and their first Check loss on the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru since 2005 in opposition to Pakistan. These losses weren’t simply in regards to the defeat but in addition about breaking long-standing data of invincibility at house.
6. Determination-making underneath scrutiny
Gambhir’s tenure additionally noticed tactical selections being questioned, resembling the selection of rank turners for house Check matches, which backfired, resulting in batting collapses. His technique and the crew’s strategy had been scrutinized, particularly after the New Zealand sequence, the place some decisions in crew choice and batting order had been debated closely.
7. Loss in Melbourne after 12 years
Regardless of beginning the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia on a constructive observe (a win in Perth Check), India misplaced subsequent matches, together with the Boxing Day Check, which they hadn’t misplaced in Melbourne since 2012. This sequence additional highlighted the crew’s struggles underneath Gambhir’s teaching.