The Board of Control for Cricket in India has put an end to growing speculation around Gautam Gambhir’s future as India’s Test coach, firmly backing him despite recent disappointing results at home. The clarification comes after reports suggested that former Indian batter VVS Laxman was being considered as a possible replacement, sparking debate among fans and experts alike.
BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla categorically denied any plans to change the coaching setup, stating that the board continues to have full confidence in Gambhir. He stressed that there have been no discussions at any level regarding the appointment of a new Test coach, dismissing the rumours as unfounded and misleading.
The speculation gained momentum following India’s recent struggles in Test cricket. The team suffered a 0-2 whitewash at home against South Africa, followed by a disappointing 0-3 defeat to New Zealand. These losses have dented India’s prospects in the ICC World Test Championship and raised questions about the direction of the team under Gambhir’s leadership.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia also addressed the reports, echoing Shukla’s stance and calling the claims about VVS Laxman being approached completely baseless. He emphasised that the board believes knee-jerk reactions and frequent changes in leadership rarely deliver long-term success, particularly during periods of transition.
Since taking over as head coach, Gautam Gambhir has pushed for a culture built on discipline, mental toughness, and fearless cricket. The BCCI acknowledges that such an approach requires time to take root, especially as the team navigates generational changes and experiments with combinations across formats.
The board also pointed out that India is currently in a crucial phase, with preparations underway to defend its T20 World Cup title starting February 7. With senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli not part of the squad, a relatively young team led by Suryakumar Yadav will be under intense scrutiny. In such circumstances, stability in the coaching staff is seen as vital.
BCCI officials believe that changing the head coach mid-cycle could disrupt planning, confuse messaging in the dressing room, and negatively impact player confidence. Continuity, they argue, offers a better chance for the team to regroup, learn from recent setbacks, and improve performances across formats.
While fans remain divided on social media, with some demanding accountability and others urging patience, the BCCI has drawn a clear line. The board has chosen to stand firm behind Gambhir, prioritising long-term vision over short-term pressure. For now, Gautam Gambhir’s position remains secure as India looks ahead to major international challenges.
