The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has categorically denied holding any discussions over replacing Gautam Gambhir with VVS Laxman as the head coach for the Test team. The development comes after reports claimed that the former Indian cricketer’s role as the Team India Test coach was in danger following the 2-0 whitewash at the hands of South Africa earlier this year. While it was earlier reported that Laxman was uninterested in the role, it has now been confirmed that the board has no plans to replace Gambhir.
Gautam Gambhir to stay on as head coach
As per news agency ANI, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia claimed that the board has complete trust in Gambhir and that he will continue as India cricket team’s Test coach. He rubbished reports of the board contacting Laxman officially or unofficially to try and get his views on becoming the new coach for the longest format of the game.
“The reports currently circulating are entirely inaccurate and purely speculative. Despite being carried by some reputed media outlets, there is no truth to these claims. The BCCI categorically denies them and has taken no such steps. These reports are based on conjecture and imagination, are factually incorrect, and completely baseless,” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told ANI.
Since Gambhir took over in July 2024, India has lost 10 matches, including 0-5 at home against SENA nations. This includes two series defeats – both historic ones – at the hands of New Zealand and South Africa.
Earlier, reports claimed that the BCCI had once again reached out to VVS Laxman to check whether he’ll take over the duties of Test head coach from Gambhir. The ‘Head of Cricket’ at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru was approached after Rahul Dravid left in June 2024. Laxman denied taking the job then and has done the same again.
The report further claims that it remains to be seen if he will be interested in staying on as the Test coach and that it would largely depend on India’s success at the T20 World Cup 2026. Gambhir’s contract will end after the 2027 ODI World Cup. But his future may depend upon India’s performance in the 2026 T20 World Cup. BCCI is uncertain whether Gambhir is the right person to remain at the helm of the Test team with 9 matches remaining in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle.
Editor's Pick
Cricket
Gautam Gambhir to continue as Team India Test coach, BCCI refutes contacting VVS Laxman
Top Stories
