India missed key moments in Australia, says Gambhir
India head coach Gautam Gambhir has provided a candid assessment of India’s 3-1 Test series defeat to Australia in the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, calling it a lost opportunity due to fine margins and lack of bowling depth. The series, held from November 22, 2024, to January 5, 2025, marked Australia’s first Border-Gavaskar Trophy win in over a decade.
“We were one session, one bowler short of winning the Australia series,” Gambhir said at the ABP News ‘India At 2047’ Summit.
Gambhir’s comments reflect the belief that India’s red-ball side has the talent to win overseas but lacked the resources in crunch moments to finish games. The defeat comes as a major talking point, given India’s strong red-ball form under previous captains and the current leadership of Jasprit Bumrah and Rohit Sharma.
Gambhir clears air on relationship with Virat Kohli
Addressing ongoing speculation about his relationship with Virat Kohli, Gambhir rejected claims of personal animosity, calling the narrative “media-made” and driven by views and TRPs.
“We were friends, we are friends, and we are going to remain friends,” Gambhir said. “What happens on the field when you represent two different teams stays there. Off the field, people don’t need to know what kind of relationship we share.”
He referred specifically to their highly publicized on-field spat during IPL 2023, which had sparked intense media and fan speculation.
“It’s just two Delhi boys having fun. If that’s a problem, I’ll tell the BCCI to stop posting about it,” he joked.
Calls out sensationalism and poor journalism
Gambhir didn’t hold back in criticizing media narratives, saying some journalists prioritize clicks over context.
“A journalist got on the field, interfered somewhere, and when Virat and I had an issue in the IPL, he should have done his homework. Unfortunately, only for views and TRP, he also got into cricket,” Gambhir said.
He reaffirmed his admiration for Kohli, calling him the fittest player in Indian cricket and expressing pride in Kohli’s contributions to the game.
“We should love what he has done for Indian cricket. If I had to step into anyone’s body, I would choose Virat’s. He is the fittest player on the team.”
On leaving KKR: “No regrets”
When asked if he missed his prior role with the Kolkata Knight Riders, Gambhir was unequivocal.
“Honestly, not. I have a far bigger responsibility to take Indian cricket forward.”
Gambhir’s public appearance served both as a review of India’s recent red-ball struggles and as a media reset, shifting the conversation from drama to direction. As India looks to bounce back in future Test series, including a high-profile home series later this year, Gambhir’s leadership and focus on performance may prove central.
