“Gautam Gambhir Will Not Be Invited”: Iceland Cricket Trolls India Coach Amid Test Struggles

India’s 2025 Test series against South Africa has triggered one of the biggest debates in Indian cricket this year: Is Gautam Gambhir still the right man to coach India in Tests?
With India staring at a 0–2 series defeat, selection controversies mounting, and social media criticism hitting new highs, Gambhir’s position is under intense scrutiny.

Adding fuel to the fire, Iceland Cricket, known for its sharp and humorous social media presence, openly mocked the Indian coach, saying:

“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 comment quickly went viral, further highlighting the pressure surrounding Gambhir’s tenure.

India’s Decline in Test Performance Under Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir took charge as India’s all-format coach with the expectation of bringing aggression, clarity, and a modern strategic approach. However, India’s Test performance has sharply deteriorated since his appointment.

Key Declines Under Gambhir

• 4 losses in last 6 home Tests

• First home whitewash since the early 2000s (vs New Zealand)

• On the verge of a series defeat against South Africa at home after 25 years

• Frequent batting order reshuffles, creating instability

• Team selection criticised as “reactionary rather than strategic”

India’s once-unbeatable home fortress — the bedrock of their Test success — appears to be crumbling.

The Selection & Tactical Decisions That Sparked Controversy

Cricket experts and fans have repeatedly questioned Gambhir’s approach, particularly regarding team combinations and batting order experiments.

1. Batting Order Chaos

Washington Sundar batted:

• No. 3 in the first Test, then

• No. 8 in the second Test

Such drastic positional changes are common in T20 cricket — but rarely in Tests, where stability is essential.

Many former cricketers have warned that:

“Test cricket demands consistency, not chopping and changing every match.”

2. Over-dependency on youngsters

India’s constant experimentation with new faces has left the middle order unsettled.

3. Questionable bowling combinations

Despite Indian pitches favoring spin, selection hasn’t mirrored conditions effectively.

4. Tactical misreads

South Africa’s disciplined approach exposed India’s lack of adaptability — something Gambhir was expected to improve, not worsen.

Iceland Cricket’s Mockery: Harmless Banter or Sharp Criticism?

Iceland Cricket has a tradition of witty remarks, but this particular comment hit hard because it aligned with what many Indian fans were already feeling.

Their post on X (formerly Twitter) said:

“Gautam Gambhir will not be invited… We already won 75% of our matches in 2025.”

This wasn’t just a joke — it highlighted:

• India’s deteriorating Test results

• The diminishing confidence in Gambhir’s methods

• The global cricket community’s awareness of India’s struggles

The trolling amplified the public discussion:
Should the BCCI separate red-ball and white-ball coaching roles?

Will Gambhir Be Sacked as India’s Test Coach?

As of now, there is no official statement from the BCCI indicating that Gambhir will be removed. However:

Factors That Could Lead to His Exit

• India’s long unbeaten home record is under threat

• Player confusion due to constant role changes

• Public and expert criticism rising sharply

• BCCI historically reacts strongly after home defeats

• The need for specialized Test and limited-overs coaching roles

Factors That Could Save His Job

• Gambhir remains respected for his cricketing acumen

• India’s long-term project might require patience

• BCCI may back him until the next major Test cycle

• Young players reportedly admire his straightforward coaching style

Still, insiders believe the BCCI may seriously consider splitting formats — especially if India loses the current series.

Why India’s Test Team Appears Unsettled

Even though India has world-class talent, the new era under Gambhir hasn’t clicked in red-ball cricket.

Possible Reasons

• Over-aggressive strategies not suited for Test batting

• Selection revolving heavily around recent performances

• Lack of continuity in the XI

• Inconsistent pitch reading and match planning

• Absence of stable roles for players like Gill, Sundar, Iyer, and others

For a team historically built on patience and discipline, the sudden shift in philosophy seems to have created confusion.

Fan Reaction: Mixed But Intensely Vocal

Social media is split into two camps:

1. Supporters

• Believe Gambhir needs more time

• Credit him for backing young talent

• Agree India is in a transition phase

• Argue that even great coaches have bad series

2. Critics

• Blame him for poor selections

• Question his Test strategy

• Say he’s trying to apply T20 theories to red-ball cricket

• Claim India’s decline began with his leadership

What is undeniable is that the pressure has reached new highs — especially with Iceland Cricket’s mockery adding international attention.

What’s Next for India and Gambhir?

The upcoming matches — and possibly the next Test cycle — will determine Gambhir’s fate.

Possible BCCI Actions

• Retain Gambhir but appoint a specialist Test consultant

• Split coaching roles – white-ball vs red-ball

• Replace Gambhir for Tests but keep him for T20Is and ODIs

• Conduct a full review after the series

One thing is clear:
India’s Test cricket needs stability, long-term planning, and clearer roles for players.

FAQs

1. Why did Iceland Cricket mock Gautam Gambhir?

They commented humorously on India’s poor Test results under Gambhir, saying they wouldn’t “invite” him as their coach due to his record.

2. Is Gambhir going to be sacked as India’s Test coach?

There is no official confirmation, but rising pressure and poor home results make it a serious possibility.

3. What has gone wrong for India in Tests?

Frequent batting order changes, inconsistent team selection, poor tactical decisions, and lack of stability.

4. When was the last time India lost a Test series at home to South Africa?

In the year 2000, 25 years ago.

5. Are India struggling only in Tests?

The major concerns are in the longest format; India remains competitive in T20Is and ODIs.