“Never expected a very easy run” – Gautam Gambhir reflects on his tenure as coach after IND vs NZ 2024 Test series defeat

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has admitted that he never expected a very easy run when he took over the coaching baton from his predecessor Rahul Dravid. It hasn’t been a bright start for Gambhir as India suffered a 2-0 ODI series loss against Sri Lanka.

To add salt to injury, the Rohit Sharma-led team find themselves trailing by 2-0 in the three-match Test series at home. This is India’s first Test series loss in the last 12 years. India suffered an eight-wicket loss in the opening game at Bengaluru and then lost the second Test at Pune by 113 runs.

Gautam Gambhir said in a pre-match press conference, “I never expected a very easy run for me. I know that we lost in Sri Lanka and against NZ and it is not a good place to be. All we can do is keep working hard and we will try winning every game that we play to represent the country. I realize it’s a complete different thing when you were playing and now as a coach, need to put your arm around the players.”

Gambhir squashed reports of pacer Harshit Rana being added to the Test squad. The head coach revealed everyone is available for selection.

“We are not in a situation where can think of that. Harshit Rana is not part of the squad. He has just come here to prepare for the Australia tour, Abhishek made it clear yesterday. IPL retention has nothing to be spoken about, we have a Test match here. Everyone is available for selection, we will take a call tomorrow.”

India will certainly want to come up with an improved batting show in the last Test of the series.

The third and final Test match between India and New Zealand will be played at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai from November 1 onwards.