Did BCCI approach India great for Test coach role after South Africa series loss under Gautam Gambhir? Report claims offer was…
A bombshell report claims that following India’s series defeat in South Africa, the BCCI may have discreetly approached a former India cricketer for the Test coaching post. This statement led to speculation about behind-the-scenes investigations and possible changes to the red-ball set-up.
While Gautam Gambhir achieved significant success in white-ball cricketHis tenure in the Test team, which secured both ICC and ACC honors, came under intense scrutiny. Following a string of 10 Test defeats in SENA countries, including a recent 2-0 series defeat at home to South Africa, reports suggest his position as a red-ball coach may be in jeopardy.
According to a PTI report, after India’s underwhelming performance against South Africa, an influential person within the BCCI unofficially approached VVS Laxman. The investigation was held to see whether the former batting legend would be open to taking over Test coaching duties. However, Laxman is reportedly happy with his current role as ‘Head of Cricket’ at the Center of Excellence in Bengaluru.
Gambhir is currently contracted until the 2027 ODI World Cup, but the board may reconsider the deal depending on the outcome of the upcoming T20 World Cup. There is a growing debate within the BCCI over whether Gambhir is fit to lead the team in the remaining nine matches of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle.
A BCCI source explained the current situation to PTI: “Gamhir has (a) strong support in the corridors of power of Indian cricket and obviously, if India retain the T20 World Cup or at least reach the final, he will continue his tenure without any problem. But it would be interesting if Gambhir continues in the Tests as well.”
The source also noted that the lack of viable candidates could work in Gambhir’s favour: “It is to his advantage that there are not many alternative options in the red-ball format as VVS Laxman is not interested in coaching the senior Test team.”
The BCCI is expected to use the upcoming T20 World Cup and the subsequent two-month IPL window to evaluate the team’s direction. This period will allow the officials to decide whether to continue with a single coach across all formats or move to a split coaching model. For ‘Guru Gambhir’, the next few months will be critical in determining his long-term future in the national team.
Also read| BCCI names India’s U19 World Cup squad; Vaibhav Suryavanshi including, Ayush Mtre to lead
