The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice president Rajeev Shukla commented on the news about it Gautam Gambhirposition as India‘s Test head coach is under threat. After India’s shocking home Test series whitewash South Africaspeculation about a possible coaching overhaul has intensified with the former India’s defeat in the cricket competition Plumbing Laxman is presented as a potential substitute. But the board has now moved swiftly to close all such claims.
Rajeev Shukla opens up amid reports of Gautam Gambhir’s uncertain future
Rajeev publicly addressed the rumors and revealed that the board has full faith in Gambhir’s leadership. Speaking to the media, Shukla categorically stated that there is no discussion or suggestion within the BCCI to remove Gambhir as India’s head coach.
“I want to clarify the media speculations about coach Gautam Gambhir. The BCCI secretary (Devajit Saikia) has also made it clear that there are no plans to remove Gambhir or bring in a new coach for India.” News18 reports that Shukla said.
Gambhir’s stay under the scanner
Gambhir took over as India’s head coach in July 2024 and succeeded Rahul Dravid after the successful performance of the latter. Although Gambhir’s appointment was initially hailed for his no-nonsense approach and tactical clarity, India’s performances in the red ball last year drew criticism.
The final defeat against South Africa marked India’s first home Test series loss to the Proteas since 2000. The setback followed a 0-3 home series defeat to New Zealand last year, making it two consecutive home series losses in Tests. Adding to the disappointment, India also failed to qualify for the World Test Championship final for the first time since the tournament began, raising doubts about the team’s direction in the longest format.
Despite his red-ball struggles, Gambhir’s overall coaching record presents a more balanced picture. Under his leadership, India achieved significant success in white-ball cricket, winning the 2025 Champions Trophy and the Asia Cup.
Road Ahead for Team India
For now, the BCCI’s stance ends the uncertainty over Gambhir’s future and signals continuity in leadership. India’s focus will shift to limited-overs cricket where they aim to defend their T20 World Cup title. In Test cricket, the upcoming tours to Sri Lanka and New Zealand in 2026 will be crucial in rebuilding confidence before the focus turns to the five-Test home Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in 2027.
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