Ex-Pakistan head coach delivers huge update on replacing Gautam Gambhir as India head coach
Published - 02 Jan 2026, 10:39 AM | Updated - 02 Jan 2026, 11:34 PM
There has been speculation over Gautam Gambhir’s future as India’s Test head coach following recent struggles in the longest format. Former Australia fast bowler Jason Gillespie, who coached Pakistan’s men’s team for just seven months in 2024, stated that he has no interest in applying for the India Test job.
India lifted the Asia Cup 2025 and the Champions Trophy 2025 but struggled in Test cricket. They suffered a whitewash against South Africa at home, which exposed deep red-ball issues and intensified scrutiny on Gambhir. He became the first Team India coach to suffer two Test series whitewashes on home soil.
Jason Gillespie Rules Out Replacing Gautam Gambhir As India Coach
Jason Gillespie ended the talk about him becoming India’s Test coach with a short and clear reply. A fan on social media asked him to take over after India were whitewashed at home twice.
The user said India were struggling badly and urged Gillespie to become the team’s head coach. Gillespie did not leave any room for debate. He replied with just two words: “No thanks.” The former Australia fast bowler stated that he has no interest in coaching India in Test cricket.
One of the users posted to Gillespie: "Jason, you need to coach India now because they are not just losing but getting whitewashed at home twice. They need you seriously."
Gillespie replied: "No thanks."
Jason Gillespie’s Short and Turbulent Stint as Pakistan Coach
Jason Gillespie’s first full-time international coaching role turned out to be short and turbulent. He took charge of Pakistan’s men’s team in 2024 but stepped away within months after a difficult spell that included mixed results and growing issues with the Pakistan Cricket Board.
During his stint, Pakistan suffered a home Test series loss to Bangladesh but also managed an impressive series win over England. Gillespie chose to walk away before completing his contract, later speaking openly about the challenges he faced in the role.
He has coached the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League, worked extensively in county cricket with Yorkshire and Sussex during the 2010s, and held roles with South Australia and Papua New Guinea.
He also spent time in the IPL setup as a bowling coach with Kings XI Punjab, now known as Punjab Kings. Those strong domestic and franchise stints have kept Gillespie’s name in regular discussion for red-ball coaching roles across Test cricket.
Gautam Gambhir Under Pressure After Tough Start As India Test Coach
Gautam Gambhir took charge of the India team as head coach in mid-2024. Since then, India have played 19 Tests and won only seven. They recorded home wins against Bangladesh and the West Indies.
However, results in red-ball cricket have been worrying. India suffered a home whitewash against New Zealand, lost a Test series in Australia, and failed to beat South Africa at home. These performances have raised serious questions about the team’s direction in Test cricket.
Gautam Gambhir is now the only Indian Test coach under whom India have lost five home Tests. He has also overseen two home whitewashes, something that had never happened before in Indian cricket.
Gambhir still has backing within the Board of Control for Cricket in India. However, his future as Test coach could be reviewed after the next T20 World Cup. Meanwhile, VVS Laxman has shown no interest in the role and remains content working at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
About the Author
Sai Vaitla is an author at Cricketaddictor and he has been working since September 2022. Sai Vaitla...
