India head coach Gautam Gambhir’s future appears increasingly uncertain as the national team stands on the brink of a 0-2 Test series loss to South Africa. With mounting criticism over India’s recent red-ball performances, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) may soon consider fresh options for the Test format. As the debate around Gambhir’s role intensifies, Iceland Cricket has publicly mocked the former opening batter, adding fuel to the ongoing scrutiny.

Iceland Cricket takes dig at Gambhir

Iceland Cricket, known for its sharp humour on social media, did not hold back while commenting on India’s Test struggles under Gambhir. Responding to escalating questions from fans about whether Gambhir might be considered for their national team, the board posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“To all our fans, no, Gautam Gambhir will not be invited to be our new national team coach. That position is already filled and we won 75% of our matches in 2025.”

The tongue-in-cheek remark quickly went viral, further amplifying discussions surrounding India’s deteriorating Test form.

India’s Test decline under Gambhir

Since Gambhir took over as head coach across all formats, India’s once formidable Test dominance—particularly at home—has taken a significant hit. The team has lost four of its last six home Tests, a sharp departure from the decade-long stretch in which the side remained nearly unbeatable in Indian conditions.

One of the most shocking setbacks was the rare home series whitewash inflicted by New Zealand. Now, with South Africa on the verge of sweeping the ongoing series, the pressure on Gambhir has reached an all-time high.

India have not lost a Test series to South Africa since 2000. A defeat or a draw in the Guwahati Test would mark the first home series loss against the Proteas in 25 years—a historic blow to Indian cricket.

Batting order experiments draw criticism

Adding to the mounting criticism are Gambhir’s unconventional decisions regarding the batting line-up. Washington Sundar, who batted at No. 3 in the first Test, was pushed down to No. 8 in the second—an unexpected move that baffled many.

While such tactical shuffles are common in T20 cricket, experts argue that Test cricket demands structure, stability, and clarity in role definition. Former players and analysts have pointed out that these changes have disrupted the rhythm of the batting unit, leading to repeated collapses.

Notably, India’s batting performances have lacked consistency, with senior players unable to anchor innings and younger players struggling under pressure.

BCCI yet to make a call

Despite growing concerns among fans and pundits, the BCCI has made no official statement about Gambhir’s future. However, the federation is known to be highly performance-oriented—especially in Test cricket, which it considers the cornerstone of India’s cricketing identity.

A review is expected at the end of the South Africa series, and depending on the result, the board could choose to split coaching roles, keeping Gambhir for white-ball formats while appointing a separate Test coach.

A pivotal moment in Indian cricket

As India prepares for the third Test, the stakes are higher than ever. A defeat would not only mark a historic failure but could also mark the end of the Gambhir era in red-ball cricket. Conversely, a strong comeback may offer him the breathing space needed to stabilise the side.

Whatever the outcome, the coming weeks are likely to shape the direction of Indian Test cricket for the foreseeable future.