The instance of Abhishek Nayar, who performed with Gambhir at Kolkata Knight Riders during their championship-winning 2024 IPL season, was drafted in as India's assistant coach. However, regardless of his affinity with the head coach and other players such as Rohit Sharma, Nayar was sacked by the BCCI after India's series of red-ball setbacks. His departure was a part of a larger review involving then captain Rohit Sharma, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, chief selector Ajit Agarkar, and Gambhir himself. The board's message was that performances are more important than reputations. If someone as recently appointed as Nayar could be removed less than a year in office, then Gambhir's position might not be as solid as perceived. Even after being gifted with a long-term deal, the Indian board has demonstrated that they are willing to act differently if the team is not performing. A series defeat in England would not only dent India's red-ball ego but may even compel the BCCI to question its trust in Gambhir's long-term plans. Considering how unceremoniously Nayar was dismissed, it would not take a stretch of imagination to see Gambhir going the same way if results fail to improve soon. Also Read | Joe Root Surpasses Ponting, Becomes Second-Highest Test Run Scorer Gambhir’s Test tactics under fire as India slip to No. 4 India's Test ranking has dipped from No. 1 to No. 4 over his period in charge. Even in the current England series, a tight 22-run loss at Lord's and another one at Old Trafford have left India 1-2 down in the five-match series. His decision-making, like giving importance to all-rounders over specialist players, has invited criticism from former players. Although Gambhir has performed well in T20Is, with a clean sweep of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and a Champions Trophy 2025, his ODI record has remained on the positive side.