In 2024, underneath the management of head coach Gautam Gambhir, the Indian cricket crew confronted a collection of setbacks that have been starkly out of sync with their storied cricketing legacy. These challenges ranged from disappointing performances in key collection to sudden 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 method and tactical acumen, the squad struggled to search out consistency and cohesion on the sector. The yr was a roller-coaster trip, 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 facet as soon as thought-about invincible in limited-overs cricket. Followers who had excessive hopes for a resurgence underneath Gambhir’s tenure have been left upset 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 latest reminiscence for Indian cricket.
7 disheartening data India made underneath Gautam Gambhir
1. ODI collection loss to Sri Lanka after 27 years
For the primary time in practically three many years, India misplaced an ODI collection to Sri Lanka on Sri Lankan soil. This was a big low, particularly contemplating India’s dominance in bilateral collection lately. The collection, which happened in July, noticed India shedding 2-0, a end result that many followers and analysts discovered exhausting to digest given the crew’s repute.
2. No ODI wins in a calendar yr – First time in 45 years
India went by means of everything of 2024 with out securing a single win in ODIs. This was an unprecedented scenario 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 collection whitewash in opposition to New Zealand
Maybe probably the most vital embarrassment was the 3-0 whitewash at residence by New Zealand in October. This was the primary time India have been swept in a Check collection on residence soil since South Africa did it in 2000. The collection was significantly surprising as a result of India had been practically unbeatable at residence, making this defeat a historic low.
Additionally READ: A yr to overlook for Rohit Sharma: Breakdown of his disappointing numbers in 2024
4. Lowest Check whole at residence
Through the Check collection in opposition to New Zealand, India have 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 residence, starkly illustrating the batting collapse underneath strain.
5. First loss in Chinnaswamy since 2005
The yr noticed India shedding essential Check matches, together with their first residence 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 concerning the defeat but in addition about breaking long-standing data of invincibility at residence.
6. Determination-making underneath scrutiny
Gambhir’s tenure additionally noticed tactical selections being questioned, resembling the selection of rank turners for residence Check matches, which backfired, resulting in batting collapses. His technique and the crew’s method have been scrutinized, particularly after the New Zealand collection, the place some decisions in crew choice and batting order have been debated closely.
7. Loss in Melbourne after 12 years
Regardless of beginning the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia on a constructive be aware (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 collection additional highlighted the crew’s struggles underneath Gambhir’s teaching.
