‘I cannot forget that ever’ - Gautam Gambhir reflects on New Zealand whitewash at home

Published - 11 Oct 2025, 18:25 IST | Updated - 11 Oct 2025, 18:36 IST

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir endured a forgettable start to his international coaching career, as India suffered a 3-0 ODI series defeat against Sri Lanka. Although the team bounced back with victories over Bangladesh in both Tests and T20Is, they were later painfully whitewashed by New Zealand in a three-match Test series at home.

Almost a year after that disappointing result, Gambhir admitted that the series defeat still lingers in his memory. The former India opener acknowledged that the visiting side completely outplayed the Rohit Sharma-led side, with their spinners causing the most damage. The setback marked India’s first home series defeat since 2012, making it an extremely forgettable chapter in Gambhir’s early coaching tenure.

"I don't think I can ever forget that in my coaching career. And I should not even forget that. And I've told this to the boys as well. It is important to look forward. But sometimes it is also important to remember the past as well. Because if you forget the past, then you can start taking things for granted. You should never look to take anything for granted. Because New Zealand, I felt that everyone thought that we could roll them over. But that's the reality. And that's the sport," Gambhir said on JioHotstar in a chat with Aakash Chopra.

Later that year, the Indians began their tour of Australia on a positive note with a win, but eventually lost the Test series. However, they bounced back strongly soon after, clinching the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Since then, senior stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have retired from red-ball cricket, while Ravichandran Ashwin has bid farewell to international cricket.

In this new era, Shubman Gill has taken over the reins of the Test team, leading India to a 2-2 draw against England in the five-match away series and guiding them to an unassailable 1-0 lead over the West Indies at home.

The Shubman Gill-led side's recent performances have been encouraging, and the team will look to maintain its momentum under his leadership. Gambhir, who took over as India’s head coach in July 2024, continues to shape the team’s transition phase. His tenure is set to run until the 2027 ODI World Cup, scheduled towards the end of that year. Before his national coaching role, Gambhir enjoyed a successful stint in the IPL 2024, where he guided the Kolkata Knight Riders to their third championship title.