BCCI issues official statement on Gautam Gambhir’s sacking as India Test head coach

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly reviewing its options for the Test team’s coaching setup after disappointing red-ball results under head coach Gautam Gambhir. Notably, the BCCI ‘informally approached’ former Indian batter VVS Laxman to check if he would be interested in coaching, as per a PTI report.

Gambhir has come under heavy scrutiny for India’s struggles in Test cricket despite the team's success in limited-overs cricket. The Men in Blue secured an ICC and ACC trophy in each of the two formats. However, India suffered multiple defeats, including home whitewash series losses to New Zealand and South Africa.

BCCI Informally Approached VVS Laxman Amid Doubts Over Gautam Gambhir?

According to a report from Press Trust of India (PTI), the Board of Control for Cricket in India is still unsure about India’s Test coaching future after another poor home series. India’s 0-2 loss to South Africa has increased doubts around the red-ball setup.

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After that defeat, a senior official has informally contacted VVS Laxman to ask if he would be interested in becoming the Test coach. However, Laxman is happy in his current role as Head of Cricket at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and does not want to take up the job.

Questions remain inside the board about Gambhir and whether he should continue as the red-ball coach. This was also not the first time Laxman was approached.

BCCI May Review Gautam Gambhir’s Tenure Despite Contract Until 2027

The BCCI signed Gautam Gambhir as head coach until the 2027 ODI World Cup. With the T20 World Cup approaching, the board is open to reviewing the current setup if results do not improve. With nine Tests still to be played, the team is currently sixth in the World Test Championship (WTC).

"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 told 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.

BCCI Denies Talks With VVS Laxman Over Head Coach Role

According to a report by NDTV, Gautam Gambhir is set to continue as head coach at least until the 2027 World Cup. A senior BCCI official has also stated that no discussions have taken place with VVS Laxman, as the board has full confidence in Gambhir.

"We have not spoken to VVS Laxman either officially or unofficially," a senior BCCI official said. "The BCCI has complete trust in Gautam Gambhir, and no discussion has been held regarding this matter," he further added.

Decisions in Indian cricket can be unpredictable, including the unexpected decision to drop Shubman Gill from the T20 World Cup squad. It is worth mentioning that Gill had been the vice-captain of the Indian T20I team.

Also read: Gautam Gambhir enjoys vacation in England as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma forced into Vijay Hazare Trophy grind