Gautam Gambhir’s tenure as India’s white-ball coach has been commendable, with ICC and ACC trophies in both formats. However, his record in Test cricket is less impressive, with 10 defeats against SENA countries.
After India’s poor performance in the two-Test series against South Africa last month, it is understood that someone influential in the cricket board informally approached VVS Laxman to see if he would be interested in coaching the red-ball team. However, the legendary batter is content in his role as ‘Head of Cricket’ at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
Gambhir’s contract with the BCCI runs until the end of the 2027 ODI World Cup, but it may be reviewed depending on India’s performance in the T20 World Cup, which begins in five
weeks. Within the BCCI, there is still debate about whether Gambhir should continue as the red-ball team coach for the remaining nine Tests of the World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.
After drawing 2-2 in a five-Test series in England, India has upcoming overseas assignments, including two Tests against Sri Lanka in August 2026 and a tour of New Zealand in October, before hosting Australia for a five-Test series in January-February 2027.
“Gambhir does have (a) strong backing within the power corridors of Indian cricket and obviously, if India retain the T20 World Cup or at least reach the final, he would be seamlessly continuing with his assignment. However, it would be interesting if Gambhir continues in Tests too,” a BCCI source was quoted as saying to PTI on conditions of anonymity.
“His advantage being (that there) aren’t too many alternate options in red ball format since VVS Laxman isn’t interested in coaching senior Test team,” the source added.
Dressing Room Cracks
Currently, the Indian dressing room appears unsettled, with players feeling less secure under Gambhir compared to the Rahul Dravid era, where roles were clearly defined and players were given time to prove themselves.
Shubman Gill’s exclusion from the T20 World Cup squad bears Gambhir’s influence, causing concern among players about their own positions. The BCCI typically takes its time with policy decisions. After the T20 World Cup, there will be a two-month Indian Premier League period, giving decision-makers ample time to evaluate whether to continue with split coaching or appoint a single coach across formats.
The next two months will be crucial for Gambhir, even with his supporters within the BCCI.
(With inputs from Agencies)
