VVS Laxman to replace Gautam Gambhir as head coach after Kolkata Test disaster? Colossal claim made

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has added fuel to the growing debate around India’s shocking 30-run defeat to South Africa at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Kaif has openly suggested that this embarrassing defeat has put the Indian head coach, Gautam Gambhir, under serious pressure.

Kaif believes that losing a Test at home is simply not something fans or experts will accept, especially when India has its own legacy in the home conditions. Under Gautam Gambhir’s tenure, the team has already lost four of their six tests so far at home.

Pressure explodes on Gautam Gambhir as Mohammad Kaif questions India’s falling fortress

The former Indian batter has also pointed out that defeats in countries like Australia or England were once considered normal, but losses in the Indian conditions raise big questions.

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With South Africa breaking India’s dominance in Kolkata and New Zealand whitewashing the team earlier this year, Kaif feels the pressure on Gambhir has doubled now.

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Mohammad Kaif said in a video on his YouTube channel, “Of course, the pressure is increasing. There is no doubt about it. In previous eras, if you went to Australia, your loss was confirmed, and nobody would feel bad.

You lost in Australia or England; it was bound to happen. But loss in India is not acceptable because it’s your fort. South Africa breached the fortress, and New Zealand came and produced a whitewash.”

VVS Laxman’s name emerges as Mohammad Kaif highlights growing doubts over Gautam Gambhir

Additionally, Kaif hinted that new contenders for the head coach role may soon come into the picture if things don’t improve quickly in Test cricket. Among those names, VVS Laxman seems to be the most talked-about option.

With his experience at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and past stints as a stand-in coach, Kaif believes that Laxman could be a strong candidate to replace Gautam Gambhir as India's Test coach if the BCCI considers the change.

Kaif further added, “So, this is increasing pressure, and that is why Laxman’s name will come forward, and other names as well who are near coaching [among contenders].”

Meanwhile, Kaif believes that Indian cricket is suffering because the process of choosing coaches is not as open and clear as it should be. He said that many highly experienced former players feel ignored and even embarrassed when they apply for coaching roles but never hear back.

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Mohammad Kaif slams BCCI, claims experienced players humiliated in India’s coaching selections

These are players who have handled pressure in packed stadiums and delivered match-winning performances, yet they are left wondering whether their applications even matter. Slamming Gautam Gambhir and his team, Kaif said that coaches are hired without interviews many times.

The cricket pundit further explained, “What if we apply and it gets rejected? It’s like humiliation. I am trying to provide service by leaving my work. So, there is a grey area. Everyone knows that. The deserving guy doesn’t necessarily get hired. When Gambhir became coach, he brought guys like Sitansu Kotak and Abhishek Nayar. The BCCI allows that.”

Kaif signed off by saying, “I think there is a need for transparency. Those who have played match-winning in front of a crowd of one lakh should be backed instead of those who played 3-4 matches and were part of the squad… When Sitansu Kotak joined, there was no interview.”