Gautam Gambhir has successfully secured only 7 out of 19 Tests played to date as the head coach of the Indian men’s cricket squad.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has no intentions of severing ties with Gautam Gambhir, even with India’s disappointing performances in Test matches since he took on the leadership role. The ex-left-handed batsman from Delhi assumed leadership of the Indian team in July 2024 when Rahul Dravid’s term ended, but since then, Gambhir has achieved only seven victories in 19 Tests conducted so far as India’s head coach.
With his leadership, India achieved one Test victory in Australia last year and two in England this year, but faced humiliating 0-3 and 0-2 losses to New Zealand and South Africa, respectively, in front of their home crowd.
Gambhir has experienced five home Test defeats so far, the highest for any India head coach, and he is the sole Indian head coach to be whitewashed twice in a home Test series.
Following India’s humiliating losses in both Tests against South Africa last month in front of their home supporters, there are demands for Gambhir’s dismissal as head coach of Team India, particularly concerning the five-day format of the game. However, the BCCI is not considering separating from Gambhir.
Poor Results, Strong Backing: Inside BCCI’s Decision to Stick With Gambhir
A day subsequent to BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia rejecting reports of the board considering VVS Laxman as Gambhir’s Test replacement, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla has likewise refuted rumors of Gambhir’s departure.
Shukla stated that there are no intentions to replace Gambhir or hire a new head coach for India
“I want to clarify the rumors circulating in the media concerning head coach Gautam Gambhir.” “The BCCI secretary (Devajit Saikia) has clearly stated that there is no intention to replace or introduce a new head coach for India,” Shukla informed ANI.
Gambhir’s existing contract as head coach of Team India extends until November 2027, and it appears he will continue in this role until that time.
In August 2026, India will face Sri Lanka in a Test series in Sri Lanka, followed by a two-match Test series in New Zealand. India’s last and sixth series of the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle will take place against Australia in early 2027. The 2027 Border-Gavaskar Trophy will consist of five Test matches, and for India to reach the WTC 2027 final, they must ensure they win at least seven of the remaining nine matches.