India's Test graph has gone down considerably under Gambhir.
Gautam Gambhir took over as India head coach from Rahul Dravid in July 2024. Since then, he has guided the team to two ICC titles -- Champions Trophy 2025 and T20 World Cup 2026 -- in addition to the Asia Cup 2025.
However, the white-ball success has not translated to the traditional format. With Gambhir at the helm, India have won eight, lost 10 and drew two of their 20 Tests so far, which includes a couple of clean sweeps against New Zealand (0-3) and South Africa (0-2) at home.
Furthermore, Gambhir has been accused of forcing senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli into retirement from Test cricket.
Amid the criticism of his position as Test coach, former India spinner Amit Mishra has thrown weight behind Gambhir, citing that his old teammate should be given more time.
Mishra noted that previous coach Rahul Dravid also needed 1 to 1.5 years to establish his system before major results followed.
"It's tough for the coach. I think players need to take more responsibility. One coach for all format has been the norm for years. You have to give time to any coach. In Test matches, we have new players with less experience. It takes time for coaches and players to develop," Mishra said in an interview with Times of India.
"It took 1-1.5 years for Rahul Dravid to establish himself. Then performance improved. Players need to take responsibility, understand the wicket's behavior. You are selected from 140-145 crore people, you have to adapt according to the wicket and situation. That's why you're playing at the top. I don't think any blame should be given to the coach," he added.
India currently sit fifth in the WTC points table, holding 52 points and a points percentage (PCT) of 48.15%. Having played exactly half of their 18 scheduled matches, India's campaign has been a true mixed bag, consisting of four wins, four losses, and one draw.
India opened the cycle on a positive note, securing a hard-fought 2-2 draw during a grueling five-match series in England. They sustained momentum with a dominant 2-0 clean sweep over the West Indies at home, which temporarily propelled them into the top half of the standings.
However, the biggest setback came via a shocking 2-0 home series defeat against South Africa. A staggering 408-run defeat in the Guwahati Test severely dented India's WTC final qualification chances.
Mishra went on to explain why Gambhir deserves more time. "Give him (Gambhir) time in red-ball. He needs to explain to new players (in the squad). A coach's job is to work on mental aspects, skills, but players have to play. In our time, players did it. You have to take stress, understand. You have to spend time, change according to the situation, player, bowler, wicket. Players need to take more responsibility. A coach's job is to guide, plan, but players have to execute," he remarked.
According to recent reports, Gambhir's job as Test coach is safe till the end of the 2025-27 WTC cycle. India must win at least seven of their remaining nine Tests to realistically secure a spot in the WTC final. After the Sri Lanka tour, they will travel to New Zealand for two Tests before playing Australia in a five-match series at home.