BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla denies plan to remove Gautam Gambhir as India coach
BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla has categorically denied media reports suggesting that the board is considering replacing Gautam Gambhir as India’s head coach in the Test format. Shukla’s statement comes after widespread speculation that former India batting star VVS Laxman had been approached to take over Test coaching duties following India’s back-to-back home whitewashes under Gambhir.
“No plan to remove Gambhir or bring in a new head coach”
Speaking to ANI, Shukla dismissed the reports as baseless and reaffirmed the board’s support for Gambhir, who took over as head coach in July 2024.
“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.
His comments echo those of BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, who earlier told ANI that the board had not taken any steps to change the leadership group in Tests.
“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,” Saikia said.
Media reports of VVS Laxman approach
The speculation gained traction after India suffered a 0-2 Test whitewash at home to South Africa—their second consecutive home whitewash after a 3-0 defeat to New Zealand earlier in the same season. The twin disasters have raised serious questions about India’s red-ball form and Gambhir’s coaching methods.
Media reports claimed that VVS Laxman, currently the head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA), had been approached by the BCCI to replace Gambhir as Test coach. However, both Shukla and Saikia have now firmly rejected those claims.
Test whitewashes and World Test Championship implications
India’s dismal home performances have had serious consequences. The 3-0 whitewash to New Zealand cost them a place in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final, ending their dominance in the format at home. The subsequent 2-0 loss to South Africa has further dented their chances of qualifying for the next WTC final, with their fate now dependent on other results.
Under Gambhir’s coaching, India have struggled in Test cricket, particularly in handling spin-friendly home conditions and seaming tracks abroad. Questions have also been raised about team selection, player workload management, and tactical decisions.
Focus shifts to T20 World Cup defense
While Test cricket has been a source of frustration, India’s immediate priority is defending their T20 World Cup title won under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy in 2024. The tournament, starting on February 7, will see India field a new-look team led by Suryakumar Yadav, with stalwarts Rohit and Virat Kohli absent from the T20I setup.
India have been placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Namibia, Netherlands, and the USA. They will begin their campaign against the USA on February 7 in Mumbai.
The young Indian side has been in excellent form in T20Is throughout 2025, remaining unbeaten across all series. However, playing their first T20 World Cup without Rohit and Kohli—and in front of a home crowd—will present a unique challenge for Suryakumar’s team.