India head coach Gautam Gambhir will reportedly retain his job even if the team loses the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, according to RevSportz. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) believes the red-ball team is going through a major transition and needs time to build a settled side.
Gambhir took charge as head coach in 2024 after Rahul Dravid's tenure ended. India won two ICC titles under his leadership, the 2025 Champions Trophy and the 2026 T20 World Cup. However, recent white-ball losses in Ireland and England and inconsistent Test results have increased scrutiny around his tenure.
Gautam Gambhir Retains BCCI Backing Despite Sri Lanka Series Pressure
Gautam Gambhir is expected to remain India’s head coach even if the team loses the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka. According to a RevSportz report, an interim coaching appointment is unlikely, even in the worst-case scenario.
"It is learnt that an interim appointment, even in the worst-case scenario, is all but ruled out. VVS Laxman is more comfortable working as the head of cricket at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Also, the idea of split coaching has yet to become fashionable in Indian cricket. Of course, if the 44-year-old decides to walk, that would be a completely different matter. But this is purely hypothetical. As regards the shorter formats, Gambhir will continue at least until the 2027 ODI World Cup," the report states.
VVS Laxman is reportedly more comfortable in his current role as the Head of Cricket at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Laxman had earlier revealed that he turned down the opportunity to become India’s head coach in 2024 before the BCCI appointed Gambhir.
India's South Africa Defeat Adds to Gautam Gambhir's Pressure
India’s red-ball struggles have increased the scrutiny around Gambhir, particularly after their 0-2 home Test series defeat against South Africa in late 2025. Temba Bavuma’s team won both Tests in Kolkata and Guwahati to secure South Africa’s first Test series victory in India since 2000.
Shubman Gill’s injury also affected India during the series opener. The captain left the field unbeaten on four after suffering a neck injury and could not return to bat in the second innings. India were eventually bowled out for 93 while chasing 124.
The Indian camp felt that the result against South Africa could have been different if Gill had remained fit. However, the defeat added to concerns over India’s Test performances and placed further focus on Gambhir’s tenure.
India Enter Sri Lanka Tests Without Key Players
Shubman Gill will lead India when they begin their World Test Championship 2025-27 campaign against Sri Lanka in Galle on Saturday, August 15. The two-match series gives the team an opportunity to improve its position in the cycle while dealing with several important absences.
India will be without Jasprit Bumrah, Sai Sudharsan, and Washington Sundar for the first Test. Their absence leaves Gambhir and the team management with fewer established options for a challenging away series.
Gambhir took charge in 2024 after Rahul Dravid’s tenure ended. India have since won the 2025 Champions Trophy and 2026 T20 World Cup, but their recent losses in Ireland and England, along with their Test struggles, have kept the head coach under pressure.
