India’s Longest Losing Streak in Red-Ball Cricket? Gautam Gambhir Era Off to Rocky Start
India’s red-ball form has hit a worrying slump. The recent five-wicket defeat to England at Headingley marks India’s third consecutive Test loss, sparking concern over the team’s trajectory under new head coach Gautam Gambhir. The loss follows back-to-back defeats to Australia in the 4th and 5th Tests of the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, leaving fans and critics questioning the direction of the current red-ball setup.
Gambhir’s Tough Start at the Helm
Gautam Gambhir, who took over the reins from Rahul Dravid in June 2024, has overseen 11 Tests, winning only three. Of those, two wins came against a relatively weaker Bangladesh side, while a solitary win came in the first Test against Australia. However, since then, India has been on a three-match losing streak, raising questions about team balance, strategy, and squad rotation.
Could This Become India’s Worst Losing Run?
India’s worst losing streak in Test history remains seven consecutive losses, recorded between 1967 and 1968. Here’s a look at that dismal chapter:
| Date | Series | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08/06/1967 | India vs England | Headingley | England won by 6 wickets |
| 22/06/1967 | India vs England | Lord’s | England won by an innings and 124 runs |
| 13/07/1967 | India vs England | Edgbaston | England won by 132 runs |
| 23/12/1967 | India vs Australia | Adelaide Oval | Australia won by 146 runs |
| 30/12/1967 | India vs Australia | MCG | Australia won by an innings and 4 runs |
| 19/01/1968 | India vs Australia | Brisbane Cricket Ground | Australia won by 39 runs |
| 26/01/1968 | India vs Australia | SCG | Australia won by 144 runs |
While the current run of three losses doesn’t compare yet, the fear of a whitewash in England looms large if things don’t turn around soon.
Pressure Mounts on Gambhir
The BCCI is reportedly monitoring the situation closely, especially given the importance of the World Test Championship (WTC). With India currently placed 4th on the WTC table and England occupying the top spot, further losses could not only hurt qualification chances but also bring scrutiny on Gambhir’s coaching tenure.
What’s Next?
India now has time to regroup before the second Test at Edgbaston on July 2. The spotlight is on team selection, leadership under Shubman Gill, and the role of the bowling attack outside Jasprit Bumrah. If the team fails to bounce back, comparisons to past low points in Indian Test cricket will only grow louder.
