India’s latest Test debacle has pushed head coach Gautam Gambhir's position into trouble, with pressure increasing after a second successive home series whitewash. India’s recent decline in red-ball cricket has now become a worrying pattern. South Africa’s recent crushing 408-run win in Guwahati not only sealed a 0-2 defeat but also recorded India’s largest-ever loss by runs and their fifth home Test defeat in seven games.
Under Gambhir, India were first defeated by New Zealand last year, the team’s
first-ever series without a single win. Things didn’t improve overseas either, with a 1-3 loss in Australia. Although a young squad salvaged a 2-2 draw in England. However, Gambhir has stated Indian cricket is bigger than any individual. But with the Test team in transition, questions over frequent collapses, poor selections, and worried results at home. Former players and fans have raised demands for a specialist red-ball coach as India slip to fifth in the WTC standings.
Here are three possible replacements for Gautam Gambhir if he gets sacked as India’s head coach
Anil Kumble
Anil Kumble is a surprising name if the BCCI moves on from Gautam Gambhir as India’s head coach. His previous stint from 2016 to 2017 remains one of the most successful coaching tenures in Indian cricket. Under Kumble, India played 17 Tests, winning 12, losing just one, and drawing four, a remarkable win rate of 70.6%, the best for any Indian coach with over 15 matches.
Despite the impressive numbers, his term ended abruptly due to a well-documented personality clash with then-captain Virat Kohli. Yet, India reached the 2017 Champions Trophy final and dominated Test cricket during his tenure. Kumble later admitted he had no regrets, only that the ending could have been better. With years of coaching experience, including in the IPL, Kumble could be viewed as a possible replacement.
VVS Laxman
Former Indian player VVS Laxman is among India’s potential coaching contenders, making him a natural option if Gautam Gambhir is removed as head coach. The 51-year-old currently heads the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence and has been involved in player development, also travelling with the India Under-19 squad during their UK tour.
Laxman has stepped in as India’s backup head coach multiple times, notably three times in 2022, during the Ireland T20Is, the Asia Cup, and the New Zealand white-ball series. He later guided the senior team at the 2023 Asian Games and in T20Is in Zimbabwe and South Africa in 2024. Under his stewardship, India dominated the shorter formats, winning most of their T20I series and even securing Asian Games gold. With 14 wins in 21 white-ball matches as interim coach, plus his current roles with India A and U19 sides, Laxman is a strong contender should India take a change at the top.
Mahela Jayawardene
Legendary Sri Lankan batter, Mahela Jayawardene, has had an impressive coaching tenure over the years, most notably guiding the Mumbai Indians to three IPL titles in 2017, 2019, and 2020. His success with MI alone makes him a highly attractive candidate.
Jayawardene has also worked with England as a batting consultant, served as head coach of the West Indies, and contributed to Sri Lanka’s setup in various roles. He has also coached in global leagues, including the Khulna Titans in the BPL and Southern Brave in The Hundred. With past success across formats and leagues, Jayawardene is one of the most respected foreign coaches. If India turns to an overseas option again, he could easily be at the top of the list.
