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Key Points

Michael Atherton believes Gautam Gambhir will face mounting pressure if India loses the Oval Test, marking a third straight series defeat. India's recent struggles against New Zealand and Australia have raised concerns. Gambhir, despite his Champions Trophy success, needs a strong showing to secure his coaching future. Tensions flared as Gambhir clashed with the Oval curator over practice conditions.

Key Points: Atherton Warns Gambhir Faces Pressure If India Loses Oval Test

  • Atherton highlights Gambhir's coaching future at stake
  • India risks third consecutive Test series loss
  • Tensions rise over Oval pitch dispute
  • Gambhir seeks redemption after recent ICC success
2 min read

Three series losses in a row would be a problem: Michael Atherton on pressure mounting on Gambhir ahead of Oval Test

Michael Atherton says Gautam Gambhir could be under scrutiny if India suffers a third straight Test series defeat against England.

"Well, they've lost two series in a row... If they lose this series then yeah, he's under pressure as a coach. – Michael Atherton"

London, July 31

As India prepares for the all-important fifth Test at The Oval in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, former England captain Michael Atherton believes head coach Gautam Gambhir will feel the heat if they lose the series. With the hosts leading the series 2-1, the pressure is on India to level things up or risk conceding a third consecutive Test series defeat.

Speaking on the situation, Atherton told Sky Sports Cricket, "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."

India's recent form in Tests has been a cause for concern, especially with the back-to-back losses against New Zealand and Australia. A defeat in this series would mark three straight Test series defeats.

"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, the Oval Test isn't just about levelling the series, it's about reaffirming his credentials as a long-term leader of this talented Indian squad.

India's recent form in Tests has been a cause for concern, especially with the back-to-back losses against New Zealand and Australia. A defeat in this series would mark three straight Test series defeats.

Gambhir brought success by helping India lift the ICC Champions Trophy after 12 long years.

Tensions remain high following an argument between Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir and Kennington Oval pitch curator Lee Fortis over practice facilities, with the curator allegedly preventing them from inspecting the pitch from closed quarters.

England's Playing XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (c), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, Josh Tongue.

India Squad: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill(c), Dhruv Jurel(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Anshul Kamboj, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Karun Nair, Kuldeep Yadav, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Prasidh Krishna, N Jagadeesan, Arshdeep Singh, Akash Deep.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in India, I feel we're too quick to judge coaches. Gambhir just won us Champions Trophy! Test cricket needs patience - remember how long it took Dravid to build a team?
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Ananya R
Why is no one talking about our pathetic domestic structure? We produce flat-track bullies who fail overseas. Gambhir can't magically fix decades of systemic issues. BCCI needs to act! 😤
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Karthik V
Atherton is right but unfair. England lost 4-1 in India last year - where was the pressure on their coach? We need to support our team through tough phases. Come on boys, level the series at Oval! 💪
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Michael C
Respectfully disagree with Gambhir's approach. Arguing with pitch curator shows lack of professionalism. Focus should be on preparing players, not petty fights. Hope we see better temperament in crucial match.
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Priya S
Where is the accountability for senior players? Gill's captaincy has been questionable and Rahul keeps failing when it matters. Gambhir is being made scapegoat for players' poor performances 😒

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