India under Gautam Gambhir: What's the team's success rate with and without Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma?

NEW DELHI: Since taking charge as India's head coach in July 2024, Gautam Gambhir has had a fascinating run across formats — one defined as much by numbers as by transitions. Replacing Rahul Dravid after the T20 World Cup, Gambhir's reign has seen contrasting fortunes in the presence and absence of India's senior-most players, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

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According to team statistics, Gambhir has overseen 53 matches, with 36 wins, 14 losses, one tie, and two draws — a win rate of 67.9% overall. However, the split between performances with and without the two legends tells a compelling story.




When Kohli and Rohit have featured, India have won 12 of 24 matches (50%). But in their absence, Gambhir's young side has delivered stunning consistency — winning 24 of 29 matches, an 83% success rate. The numbers suggest a seamless transition phase, with the next generation stepping up strongly under Gambhir's assertive leadership style.

In Tests, Gambhir's team has struggled to find the same rhythm — winning 7 of 17 matches, losing 8, and drawing 2. With Kohli and Rohit in the first 10 Tests, India managed only 3 wins against 6 losses, a modest return for a side in transition.

In ODIs, the results have been steadier. India have won 9 of 14 matches, losing 4 and tying 1 — a period highlighted by the ICC Champions Trophy triumph, where both Kohli and Rohit played key roles.

But it's in T20Is that Gambhir's impact has been most dramatic — 20 wins out of 22 matches, including two Super Over victories, all without the presence of Kohli or Rohit. Under him, India also clinched the Asia Cup with a youthful squad.

Gambhir's early tenure thus paints a clear trend: while India remain competitive with their veterans, it's the fearless new brigade — led by his tactical acumen — that's truly thriving in this new era.

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