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The social media buzz might have suggested that Gautam Gambhir's tenure as India head coach is nearing an end, but the ground reality looks different. Despite the 6 T20I defeats in a row in the ongoing UK tour, the former India opener is likely to continue as the head coach of the India National Cricket Team.
While the assistant coach of the team, Ryan ten Doeschate, could leave the team after the conclusion of the ongoing India vs England ODI series, Gautam Gambhir's Team India job is reportedly safe, with some possible shuffle in his support staff in the near future.
Gautam Gambhir is all set to remain as India National Cricket Team head coach
India's poor form against Ireland and England, subsequently in two Twenty20 format series, and the highly possible departure of Ryan ten Doeschate raised questions over Gautam Gambhir's future. RevSportz reported that irrespective of noises across social media platforms, the former India cricketer is all set to continue his job.
Gambhir's original contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) expired after the 2026 T20 World Cup. Due to the team's success, the board extended the duration of the contract, which allows him to stay in the head coach position until the 2027 ODI World Cup.
BCCI could discuss Gautam Gambhir's future keeping an eye on the next T20I World Cup
Later on, through discussion, the board will decide whether to keep Gambhir in the position, as India will be preparing for the 2028 T20 World Cup and the LA28 Olympics. The media report claims that with the support of the board's top brass officials, Gautam Gambhir enjoys his job as the head coach of the national cricket team.
“However, Gautam Gambhir has the support of the BCCI top brass, according to a source in the know. For now, the former India opener is safe,” the RevSportz report reads.
“Gambhir’s contract runs until the 50-over World Cup next year. Whether he is granted a one-year extension through to the LA28 Olympics and the 2028 T20 World Cup is a matter for the future. As things stand, though, the 44-year-old has the backing of the powers that be to see out his contract,” the report further reads.
It is also reported that the results in the bilateral series will not put Gautam Gambhir's job at risk, as the board is likely to prioritize ODI and Test cricket more over the T20I format as the team is heading for another ODI World Cup in 2027, and is eyeing a spot in the final of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.
BCCI is mostly prioritizing the ICC events
The T20I performance could be considered only when the team participates in ICC events and other multi-nation tournaments, where, in the past, the Men in Blue have proved their dominance during the Asia Cup and then in the 2026 T20 World Cup.
“The BCCI will not judge him solely on performances in bilateral T20Is. First, the shortest format is lower down the priority list for Indian cricket at the moment, with the World Test Championship (WTC) and the 2027 ODI World Cup taking precedence."
"Secondly, as far as T20Is are concerned, the head coach will be judged primarily on the team’s performances at ICC events and other multi-nation tournaments,” the report claims.
