It looks like the India cricket team coaching staff is likely to witness some changes ahead of the next Test series against Sri Lanka. As per reports, some members of the Gautam Gambhir-led support staff are likely to exit the coaching setup due to various reasons. It is pertinent to point out that these potential exits aren’t because of the series loss against Ireland and England, but because of issues that have been brewing since the series loss to South Africa at home last year.
Changes loading in India’s coaching setup?
As per the Times of India, at least one prominent member of the India cricket team’s support staff is set to leave, and it isn’t clear if the exit is due to growing displeasure within the camp or if it is because the member is expected take up another coaching job. The report claims that one member of the Gambhir-led support staff has held discussions with an IPL franchise with a global presence and is likely to join the side. The report also claims that the possibility of another staff member moving on in the future cannot be ruled out.
India’s coaching staff saw a overhaul in 2024 when Gautam Gambhir took over the reins as head coach from Rahul Dravid. Ryan ten Doeschate joined in as the assistant coach while Morne Morkel was roped in as the bowling coach. T Dileep continued as the fielding coach while Sitanshu Kotak was later on appointed as the batting coach. Abhishek Nayar was also a part of the setup but was relieved of his duties after Champions Trophy 2025, following which he joined KKR as head coach.
However, in Gambhir’s tenure, India have suffered two back-to-back series losses in Tests at home – losing to New Zealand in 2024 and to South Africa in 2025. The report claims that ‘cracks have deepened in the Indian dressing room’ following the whitewash against the Proteas. The report also states that disagreements between the selectors and the coaching staff have further complicated matters.
The VVS Laxman mystery
Earlier this week, a report claimed that the BCCI has decided to revive split coaching, with VVS Laxman to travel with the Indian team for the tours to Zimbabwe and Asian Games while Gambhir will stay with the team for the series against West Indies at home. However, a ‘high-placed’ source has questioned this move. The report also claims that Sairaj Bahutale joining the Indian setup as spin-bowling coach isn’t a stop-gap arrangement and that the idea of sending different coaches maybe a hint at the BCCI looking for different options in the backdrop of the potential exits. It is pertinent to point out that the BCCI has decided to review the performance of the players and the coaching staff after their miserable outings in Europe.
“I don’t quite understand the need to send VVS Laxman to Zimbabwe. I also do not understand the plan to send him for the Asian Games. There is clearly more than meets the eye, and perhaps the Indian cricket board is exploring options,” said the source.
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