BCCI breaks silence on approaching new coach to replace Gautam Gambhir in Tests

India’s all-format head coach, Gautam Gambhir, had a successful year in the white-ball format, with victories in the Asia Cup and the Champions Trophy at both ends of the year. However, he hasn’t been the same clinical in his Test match coaching by facing a clean sweep against South Africa at home, which came just a year after India's 3-0 whitewash defeat against New Zealand at home.

There is no question about Gautam Gambhir’s white-ball coaching heading into the upcoming home white-ball series against New Zealand, followed by the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. But there is a serious question about his red-ball coaching future as the BCCI reportedly has approached VVS Laxman for the role.

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“However, it is learnt that the legendary batter of yesteryears is happy being the 'Head of Cricket' at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. We have not spoken to VVS Laxman either officially or unofficially. The BCCI has complete trust in Gautam Gambhir, and no discussion has been held regarding this matter.” The BCCI official added in a report.

Gautam Gambhir faces uncertain red-ball coaching future

This speculation has come on the back of India dropping their vice-captain, Shubman Gill, for the T20 World Cup, which, previously, was a decision taken by the head coach Gautam Gambhir and T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav. After the T20 World Cup, India will play another Asia Cup before shifting their focus to the ODI World Cup 2027.

However, the concern is on their Test match future as the Indian side will play two away Test series against New Zealand and Sri Lanka before playing the home Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2027 against Australia earlier in that year. Gambhir is yet to win a Test series against a strong participant apart from his home series victory against the West Indies.

That is where the BCCI can think of dividing the responsibility to VBS Lakshman for the Test matches, who has done a terrific job whenever he replaced the former head coach Rahul Dravid in the past. Laxman has also worked with the youngsters at the national academy in Bengaluru, which gives him enough preparation for the role.