Gautam Gambhir is under significant pressure just three months into his tenure as head coach of the Indian cricket team, following an unprecedented series of defeats against Sri Lanka and New Zealand. Appointed to the position amid considerable fanfare, Gambhir was even granted a rare seat at the selection committee meeting for the tour of Australia. However, his initial performance review suggests a rocky start, raising concerns about his future influence on team matters if results do not improve.

Since taking over, India suffered a shocking ODI series loss to Sri Lanka—the first in 27 years—and was handed a 3-0 whitewash by New Zealand in Tests at home, an outcome the team had never before experienced. As questions arise about his decision-making, critics are scrutinizing the tactical choices Gambhir has made, particularly the decision to play on a rank turner in Mumbai, despite the team's longstanding struggles against quality spin on such surfaces.

Gambhir's coaching philosophy, characterized by an unwavering approach regardless of circumstances, has puzzled many within Indian cricket circles. His recent decisions, including sending pacer Mohammed Siraj as a night-watchman during the third Test against New Zealand and batting Sarfaraz Khan at No. 8 in the first innings, have drawn widespread criticism.

While Gambhir has been afforded privileges that his predecessors, Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid, did not have—such as participating in selection committee meetings for the Australia tour—his choices are now being heavily scrutinized. Players like Harshit Rana and Nitish Reddy were included in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad at Gambhir's insistence, but their effectiveness has been questioned. Rana, despite showing promise in the Ranji Trophy, was left without a game during the recent home series, raising concerns about his preparation.

The upcoming Australia series will be a critical litmus test for Gambhir. He may need to make tough decisions regarding senior players as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) closely monitors his moves. The series presents a pivotal opportunity for Gambhir to either turn the tide or face significant backlash following a disappointing start to his coaching career.