One Win In Last Nine Tests: What Is India’s Longest Losing Streak In Red-Ball Cricket?

Shubman Gill And Jamie Smith - (Source : AP)

The Gautam Gambhir era has sunk to a new low after India suffered a five-wicket defeat against England in the first Test at Headingley. This marks India’s third consecutive loss. Prior to the UK tour, the Shubman Gill-led side also lost the fourth and fifth Tests against Australia during the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

The Indian head coach is under immense criticism as his tenure has not begun well. Gambhir was appointed to guide Team India after Rahul Dravid’s departure in June 2024. Under his leadership, the two-time WTC runners-up have played 11 matches, winning just three. The two victories came against Bangladesh, with a solitary success also achieved against Australia in the first Test of the five-match tour. Now, with three straight defeats, there are fears of a potential whitewash against the Three Lions. This article also examines India’s longest losing streak in Test cricket.

Biggest Losing Streak For India In Test Cricket

Notably, India’s biggest losing streak in Test cricket is seven consecutive games, which occurred from 1967 to 1968.

The streak began on June 8, 1967, when India toured England. Under the leadership of Nawab Pataudi, the visitors lost by six wickets in the first Test at Headingley. At Lord’s, India faced another embarrassment as England won by an innings and 124 runs. The hosts then completed a clean sweep with a 132-run victory in the third Test at Edgbaston.

Following the whitewash in England, India toured Australia, where they suffered four straight defeats—in Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Sydney.

Gautam Gambhir's Job Under Threat After Recent Losses

At present, Gautam Gambhir is under immense pressure as he is yet to prove himself as a coach in Test cricket. The BCCI has also reportedly warned Gambhir of results as success in WTC is also a priority. 

At present, India are placed 4th on the table with England topping the  table.

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