If India lose this series then, Gambhir’s under pressure: Atherton

Former England captain Michael Atherton has issued a stern warning to India head coach Gautam Gambhir, cautioning that a third straight series defeat could spell serious trouble for him. India arrived in England under pressure, having suffered a 0-3 whitewash at home against New Zealand and a 1-3 loss against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25.

Heading to The Oval for the ongoing final Test against England, India found themselves trailing 1-2, and Atherton felt another series loss could put more pressure on the head coach.

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“Well, they’ve lost two series in a row. They lost at home to New Zealand 3-0 and they lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 3-1. If they lose this series then yeah, he’s under pressure as a coach,” said Atherton on Sky Sports.

Furthermore, he also mentioned how Indian fans want their team to win every game.

“India, with all their resources, their population strength, they’re not a team that people are patient with. They’re expected to win every time they walk onto the park. So, three Test series defeats in a row would be a problem for him,” Atherton added.

For Gambhir, who recently grabbed the headlines for his spat with Lee Fortis, the curator of the Oval, during India’s training session ahead of the final Test, the outcome of the ongoing series could determine his credentials as a long-term leader in the longest format.

Gambhir brought success in white-ball cricket by helping India lift the ICC Champions Trophy after 12 years.