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New Delhi: Gautam Gambhir has seen both triumph and heartbreak in his coaching career stint with the Indian cricket team. The former opener, who guided India to the ICC Champions Trophy and Asia Cup titles, has also endured his fair share of setbacks and none more painful than the Test series loss to New Zealand at home last year.
Speaking candidly to former India teammate Aakash Chopra during a Star Sports interview, Gambhir didn't hold back when asked about the toughest moment of his coaching career. He admitted that the 3-0 home defeat against the Blackcaps remains a scar that refuses to fade.
India head coach said, “I don’t think I can ever forget that in my coaching career. And I should not even forget that,” Gambhir said. “It is important to look forward. But sometimes it is also important to remember the past. Because if you forget the past, you can start taking things for granted.”
That defeat came as a shock to many, especially given India's dominanace at home over the years. Under Gambhir's watch, the side had built momentum across formats but the loss to a disciplined and determined New Zealand outfit exposed gaps that India couldn't paper over.
Gambhir revealed that he regularly reminds his players of that series, not as a burden but as a lesson. “Everyone thought we could roll them over,” he said. “But that’s the reality and that’s sport.”
The 42-year-old’s honesty stood out in an era where most coaches tend to deflect. He acknowledged that the loss wasn’t just tactical; it was psychological too. The assumption of an easy series, he hinted was what made the defeat even harder to digest.
While the conversation began with a discussion about India's home dominance, Gambhir was quick to shift the focus. He argued that true greatness for a Test team lies in performing well overseas.
“If you’re only dominating at home then you don’t deserve to be World Test Championship winners,” he said.
He also praised India’s young side for showing character during their tours, particularly in England where several inexperienced players stood up under pressure. “It wasn’t just about results,” Gambhir said. “The way they fought every day mattered more to me.”
Despite the heartbreak of that New Zealand series, Gambhir's tenure has largely been successful in limited-overs cricket. His message now is clear that success shouldn't make a team complacent and failure should be brushed aside.
As he continues to shape India’s red-ball approach, Gambhir’s words underline his philosophy to learn, adapt and never take any opponent lightly. The scars from that loss may never fully heal but for Gambhir they now serve as a constant reminder of what it takes to truly be the best.
