Pressure Mounts on Gautam Gambhir Ahead of Crucial Test at The Oval

As India approaches the critical fifth Test at The Oval in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, former England captain Michael Atherton warns that head coach Gautam Gambhir will face intense scrutiny if the team loses. With India trailing 2-1 in the series, a defeat would mark their third consecutive Test series loss, raising concerns about Gambhir's future as coach. Atherton highlights the lack of patience for failure in Indian cricket, emphasizing the expectations placed on the team. The upcoming match is not just about leveling the series for Gambhir; it is also a test of his leadership capabilities. Tensions have also arisen over practice facilities, adding to the pressure. Will India rise to the occasion?

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 31, 2025, 13:45 IST

Gautam Gambhir Faces Pressure as India Prepares for Fifth Test

As India gears up for the pivotal fifth Test at The Oval in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, former England captain Michael Atherton has expressed that head coach Gautam Gambhir will be under significant pressure if the team fails to win. With England currently leading the series 2-1, India must perform well to avoid a third consecutive Test series loss.

Atherton shared his insights on Sky Sports Cricket, stating, "They have already lost two series in a row, including a 3-0 defeat at home to New Zealand and a 3-1 loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. If they lose this series, it will certainly put Gambhir under pressure as the coach."

Concerns Over India's Recent Test Performance

India's recent Test performances have raised eyebrows, particularly following back-to-back losses against New Zealand and Australia. A defeat in this upcoming series would signify three consecutive Test series losses.

Atherton remarked, "Given India's vast resources and population, there is little patience for failure. They are expected to win every match they play. Therefore, three Test series losses in a row would be a significant issue for Gambhir."

Gambhir's Leadership at Stake

For Gambhir, the Test at The Oval is not merely about leveling the series; it is also a chance to solidify his position as a long-term leader of this talented Indian team.

Despite the challenges, Gambhir previously led India to victory in the ICC Champions Trophy after a 12-year wait, showcasing his potential as a successful coach.

Tensions have escalated recently due to a dispute between Gambhir and Kennington Oval pitch curator Lee Fortis regarding practice facilities, with reports suggesting that the curator restricted their access to inspect the pitch closely.

Team Lineups

England's Playing XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (c), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, Josh Tongue.

India Squad: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill(c), Dhruv Jurel(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Anshul Kamboj, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Karun Nair, Kuldeep Yadav, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Prasidh Krishna, N Jagadeesan, Arshdeep Singh, Akash Deep.