Ravi Shastri vs Gautam Gambhir: First Test series as coach comparison
Both Ravi Shastri and Gautam Gambhir have different coaching styles.
When Ravi Shastri took over as India’s head coach in July 2017, replacing Anil Kumble after a controversial fallout with then-captain Virat Kohli, he walked into his first Test series with a point to prove. His debut assignment was the 2017 tour of Sri Lanka, where India recorded a 3-0 whitewash. The Shastri-Kohli partnership went on to change Indian cricket for the next four to five years.
Ravi Shastri's first assignment as Test coach
During his time as head coach (2017–2021), Shastri oversaw 43 Tests, winning 25, losing 13, and drawing five, a win percentage of 58.1%, the highest for any Indian coach in the format. His tenure witnessed historic moments, like India’s first-ever Test series win in Australia in 2018-19, a feat repeated in 2020-21 despite missing players due to injuries. The team also maintained a solid record in home Tests, winning 12 out of 15 during his time, and reached the final of the inaugural ICC World Test Championship in 2021.
Gautam Gambhir's first Test series as coach
Meanwhile, Gautam Gambhir entered as the head coach in 2024 after the team had lifted the T20 World Cup in the West Indies under the stewardship of Rahul Dravid. Gambhir’s first Test series was a two-match home assignment against Bangladesh, which India won 2-0, his only Test series victory so far.
Gambhir’s Test record stands at 15 matches, with just 5 wins, 8 losses, and 2 draws, giving him a win percentage of 33.33%. His tenure has already seen India lose a home series 0-3 to New Zealand and fail to secure wins against Australia and England. The recent 2-2 draw against England at home was orchestrated by Mohammed Siraj’s sensational spell in the final Test at The Oval. Notably, ahead of the England tour, batting stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced their Test retirement, leading to Shubman Gill being named as the captain.
Difference between Shastri-Gambhir approach
Shastri’s first series saw impressive execution and a well-balanced XI. He backed India’s pace battery and an aggressive mindset. On the other hand, Gambhir faced criticism for constant chopping and changing, significant player rotations, and underutilising specialist bowlers. His approach to team balance, often favouring all-rounders over frontline wicket-takers, has drawn scrutiny from former players and analysts alike.
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