Once again the discussion regarding coaching has intensified in Indian cricket. After the recent test performance of Team India, questions have started arising whether Gautam Gambhir will continue as the head coach of the test team or not. After losing the Test series at home against South Africa, discussions have started on his future.
Questions loom large after Test defeat
India suffered a 0-2 defeat in the two-match home Test series against South Africa. This defeat forced both the fans and the board to think. Yes, it is true that after that India won the ODI and T20 series, but the board did not like the result in the test format. For this reason, questions are being raised on Gambhir’s role as red ball coach.
The BCCI spoke with VVS Laxman.
According to reports, a senior official of the Board of Control for Cricket in India quietly spoke with VVS Laxman. The only purpose was to find out whether he would like to become the coach of the Test team. This contact happened immediately after the South Africa series, which further fuelled the speculation.
Laxman is focused on a different role.
But reports also suggest that VVS Laxman is currently quite happy with his role at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. He did not show much interest in coaching the senior test team. For this reason, BCCI does not have many options for the Test coach.
Gambhir’s contract and upcoming tournaments
Gautam Gambhir’s contract with the BCCI extends until the 2027 ODI World Cup. The Board is also keeping an eye on the team’s performance in the upcoming T20 World Cup. If India does well there or reaches the final, Gambhir’s position could become stronger. The board is still considering the Test format.
It is not yet clear within the board whether Gambhir is the right choice for the remaining Test matches of the World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. In the coming time, there are going to be tough test series against England, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Australia. The results of these series can decide the future to a great extent.
The atmosphere in the dressing room is also under discussion.
Some reports suggest that players are feeling a bit insecure in the current dressing room. During Rahul Dravid’s time, players had more patience and long runs. During Gambhir’s time, decisions are becoming very strict and fast. Keeping Shubman Gill out of the T20 World Cup team is also being considered an example of this thinking.
What could happen next?
At present, no final decision has been made on Gambhir’s role as Test coach. Everything will depend on the results that come. If India performs well in big tournaments, Gambhir’s future can be secure. But if the test results do not improve, the board can take a big decision.
Now it remains to be seen in which direction Indian cricket goes in the next few months and whether Gambhir continues to be the coach of the Test team or not.