The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has categorically dismissed media reports suggesting that VVS Laxman is being considered as a replacement for Gautam Gambhir as India’s Test coach. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia labelled the speculation as “factually incorrect and baseless”, clarifying that the board has taken no steps regarding any change in the coaching setup.

BCCI denies VVS Laxman coaching rumors

Speaking to ANI, Saikia said: “This is totally incorrect news going on. This is totally speculative news. Some very reputed news agencies are also flashing the news. There is no truth to it. BCCI straight away denies. People can think all they want, but BCCI has not taken any steps. This is somebody’s figment of imagination; there is no truth in it, and I cannot say anything except that this is factually incorrect and baseless news.”

The rumors gained traction following India’s 0-2 Test series whitewash at home against South Africa, their second consecutive home series defeat after losing 0-3 to New Zealand earlier in the season. The double blow cost India a place in the ICC World Test Championship final and raised serious questions about Gambhir’s coaching methods in the longest format.

Gambhir’s mixed record: Limited-overs success, Test struggles

While Gautam Gambhir has enjoyed considerable success in limited-overs cricket since taking over as head coach—guiding India to the ICC Champions Trophy and Asia Cup T20I titles in unbeaten campaigns—his Test record has been underwhelming.

Under Gambhir, India have won just seven Tests and lost 10, drawing two. The series record tells a stark story:

India began well with a 2-0 home series win against Bangladesh, but back-to-back setbacks against New Zealand (0-3) and Australia (1-3 Border-Gavaskar Trophy loss) led to the retirements of legends Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin from Test cricket.

A spirited 2-2 draw against England away from home under young captain Shubman Gill, followed by a 2-0 home series win against West Indies, briefly restored hope. However, the South Africa whitewash—which included India’s biggest-ever Test defeat by 408 runs—dealt a crushing blow.

In both Tests against South Africa, India were without skipper Gill, who sustained a neck injury just minutes into his batting stint at Kolkata. Rishabh Pant stepped in as stand-in captain but couldn’t prevent the defeats.

White-ball success offers some consolation

Despite the Test woes, India salvaged the home series against South Africa with 2-1 and 3-1 victories in the ODI and T20I series respectively, showcasing their dominance in limited-overs formats under Gambhir’s guidance.

T20 World Cup title defence looms large

India’s next major challenge is defending their T20 World Cup crown, won under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy in 2024. The tournament begins on February 7, 2026, with India opening their campaign against the USA in Mumbai on the same day.

India have been placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Namibia, the Netherlands, and the USA. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, the young Indian side has displayed exceptional T20I form throughout 2025, remaining unbeaten across all series. However, playing their first T20 World Cup without stalwarts Rohit and Virat in front of a home crowd will be a significant test of their mettle.