New Delhi: Gautam Gambhir’s tenure as India’s head coach for the Test team is facing uncertainty following the recent 0-2 home series defeat against South Africa, with the BCCI quietly exploring alternatives, according to reliable sources.
While Gambhir has delivered impressive results in white-ball cricket — guiding India to victories in the Champions Trophy and ACC Trophy — his red-ball record has drawn criticism, including multiple losses against top teams.
The South Africa whitewash, India’s second at home in the past year, has heightened concerns in BCCI corridors about his suitability for the remaining nine tests in the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle.
In the aftermath of the series loss last month, a senior BCCI official informally approached former India batsman VVS Laxman to gauge his interest in taking over as red-ball coach. However, Laxman, currently serving as Head of Cricket at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, declined, expressing contentment with his developmental role.
A BCCI source, speaking anonymously to PTI, noted that Gambhir enjoys strong support in key circles. His contract runs until the 2027 ODI World Cup, but a strong performance in the upcoming T20 World Cup — set to begin in five weeks — could secure his position across formats. “If India wins or reaches the final, he will continue uninterrupted. However, it will be interesting if he remains in the tests,” the source said, adding that limited alternatives favour Gambhir for now.
The report also highlights growing unease in the dressing room, with players reportedly feeling less secure compared to the Rahul Dravid era. As India prepares for the T20 World Cup, the coming months could prove decisive for Gambhir’s long-term role in red-ball cricket.