The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president Rajeev Shukla has reacted to the reports suggesting that Gautam Gambhir’s position as India’s Test head coach is under threat. Following India’s shock home Test series whitewash against South Africa, speculation intensified in the cricketing circuit about a possible coaching overhaul, with former India batter VVS Laxman being touted as a potential replacement. The board, however, has now moved swiftly to shut down all such claims.
Rajeev Shukla opens up amid reports of Gautam Gambhir’s uncertain future
Rajeev publicly addressed the rumours and made it clear that the board has full faith in Gambhir’s leadership. Speaking to the media, Shukla categorically stated that there is no discussion or proposal within the BCCI to remove Gambhir from his role as India’s head coach.
“I want to make it very clear regarding the speculation circulating in the media about head coach Gautam Gambhir. The BCCI secretary (Devajit Saikia) has also made it very clear that there is no plan to remove Gambhir or bring in a new head coach for India,” Shukla said, as quoted by News18.
Gambhir’s tenure under the scanner
Gambhir took over as India’s head coach in July 2024, succeeding Rahul Dravid after the latter’s successful tenure. While Gambhir’s appointment was initially welcomed for his no-nonsense approach and tactical clarity, India’s red-ball performances have drawn criticism over the past year.
The recent defeat against South Africa marked India’s first home Test series loss to the Proteas since 2000. This setback came on the back of a 0-3 home series defeat to New Zealand last year, making it two consecutive home series losses in Tests. Compounding the disappointment, India also failed to qualify for the World Test Championship final for the first time since the tournament began, further fuelling doubts about the team’s direction in the longest format.
Despite the red-ball struggles, Gambhir’s overall coaching record presents a more balanced picture. Under his guidance, India have enjoyed significant success in white-ball cricket, winning the Champions Trophy and the Asia Cup in 2025.
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Road Ahead for Team India
For now, the BCCI’s stance puts an end to uncertainty around Gambhir’s future and signals continuity in leadership. India’s immediate focus will shift back to limited-overs cricket, where they aim to defend their T20 World Cup title. In Test cricket, upcoming tours of Sri Lanka and New Zealand in 2026 will be crucial in rebuilding confidence, before attention turns to the marquee five-Test home Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in 2027.
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