Gautam Gambhir’s position as India’s head coach reportedly remains secure, even if India suffer a defeat in the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka.
According to a report by a sports portal, the BCCI believes the Test team is currently going through a major transition. The board is therefore prepared to give Gambhir more time to build a strong and dependable red-ball side rather than make an immediate coaching change.
Gautam Gambhir became India’s head coach in 2024 after Rahul Dravid’s tenure ended. Since taking charge, India have won two ICC titles — the Champions Trophy 2025 and the T20 World Cup 2026. However, Gambhir’s time as head coach has also been surrounded by controversies, uncertainty and frequent turbulence, particularly because of the team’s inconsistent results in Test cricket.
There has been speculation that former India player VVS Laxman could replace Gautam Gambhir if the poor results continue. However, the BCCI reportedly remains firmly behind Gambhir and wants him to complete the remaining period of his contract while he oversees the team’s transition. The report suggests that the BCCI is unlikely to appoint an interim head coach even if India suffer a disappointing result against Sri Lanka.
VVS Laxman, meanwhile, is believed to be comfortable in his current position as the head of cricket at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
A split-coaching system has also not gained much support within Indian cricket so far. The situation could potentially change if Laxman decides to leave his current position but at present, that remains only a hypothetical possibility.
Gautam Gambhir’s position in the shorter formats also appears secure. According to the report, he is expected to continue as India’s coach at least until the 2027 World Cup. This means the BCCI does not appear keen on making a sudden change in the coaching setup despite the pressure surrounding the Test team.
Interestingly, VVS Laxman had previously revealed that he turned down the opportunity to become India’s head coach in 2024, which eventually opened the door for Gambhir to take over. Laxman has also been linked with the position of chief selector, a role currently held by Ajit Agarkar.
India’s Test performances have been a major concern. The team suffered a 0-2 home Test series defeat against South Africa last year, adding to the pressure on the coaching and management team.
Even though Gambhir continues to receive BCCI backing, another poor result in Sri Lanka could further damage the perception surrounding the current team management.
For now, however, the board appears willing to remain patient. The focus seems to be on allowing Gautam Gambhir enough time to guide India through the transition and build a stronger Test team for the future.
