BCCI Confirms Gautam Gambhir Will Remain India Test Coach, Denies Approaching VVS Laxman

The BCCI has clearly said that there have been no talks about replacing Gautam Gambhir with VVS Laxman as the Test team’s head coach. The development comes after reports claimed that the former Indian cricketer’s role as the Team India Test coach was in danger following the 2-0 whitewash at the hands of South Africa earlier this year. While it was earlier reported that Laxman was uninterested in the role, it has now been confirmed that the board has no plans to replace Gambhir.

According to news agency ANI, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the board fully trusts Gautam Gambhir and he will continue as India’s Test coach. He also dismissed reports that the BCCI had contacted VVS Laxman, officially or unofficially, to ask him about taking over as the Test coach.

“The reports currently circulating are entirely inaccurate and purely speculative. Despite being carried by some reputed media outlets, there is no truth to these claims. The BCCI categorically denies them and has taken no such steps. These reports are based on conjecture and imagination, are factually incorrect, and completely baseless,” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told ANI.

BCCI Denies Coach Change Rumours, Backs Gambhir as Test Coach

Since Gambhir became coach in July 2024, India has lost 10 matches, including a 0-5 home series against SENA teams. This also includes two historic series losses to New Zealand and South Africa. Earlier, reports claimed that the BCCI had once again reached out to VVS Laxman to check whether he’ll take over the duties of Test head coach from Gambhir. The ‘Head of Cricket’ at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru was approached after Rahul Dravid left in June 2024. Laxman denied taking the job then and has done the same again.

The report also says it’s unclear if he wants to continue as the Test coach, and his decision will mostly depend on how India performs at the 2026 T20 World Cup. Gambhir’s contract will end after the 2027 ODI World Cup. But his future may depend upon India’s performance in the 2026 T20 World Cup. BCCI is uncertain whether Gambhir is the right person to remain at the helm of the Test team with 9 matches remaining in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle.