Former India and KKR batter Manoj Tiwary believes the BCCI may make the tough decision to sack head coach Gautam Gambhir if India fails to win the T20 World Cup at home. Under Gambhir, India has not lost a single bilateral T20 series, but the team’s poor performance in Tests and ODIs has put him under pressure.

Since Gambhir became head coach in July 2024, India has lost two home Test series against South Africa and New Zealand. In a recent three-match ODI series, India lost to a weakened New Zealand team. Because of this, Gambhir is giving great importance to the T20 World Cup, and a poor result could cost him his job.

The two-time IPL champion may be sacked if Suryakumar Yadav and the team fail to win the 20-team tournament, which starts on February 7. Tiwary, who has criticised Gambhir’s coaching style before, believes the T20 World Cup is crucial for the current coach.

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BCCI May Take Big Decision on Gautam Gambhir After T20 World Cup

“If India doesn’t win the T20 World Cup, then I think the BCCI should take a big and difficult decision regarding Gautam Gambhir. The BCCI secretary has already said that Gambhir will continue until his contract ends, and there is no question of removing him,” Tiwary told InsideSport.

“But I think in the 2026 T20 World Cup, if the result does not come, then the BCCI may remove him and take a big call,” he added.

India’s Group and Title Defence

India is in Group A alongside arch-rivals Pakistan, Namibia, Netherlands, and the USA. The hosts will start their T20 World Cup title defence on February 7 at Wankhede Stadium against the United States.

VVS Laxman Could Be Next Head Coach

Tiwary thinks the BCCI should try to persuade former India batter VVS Laxman to become head coach if Gambhir is sacked. Laxman used to travel with the senior men’s team when former coach Rahul Dravid was not available. Tiwary believes Laxman is the perfect candidate because he has plenty of experience.

“I think it has to be a process-driven thing. When Rahul Dravid was the coach and didn’t go on some tours, VVS Laxman used to go. So he was the natural choice,” said Tiwary.

“I think the BCCI should try to convince Laxman because he is level-headed and a good person. He also has coaching experience, so BCCI should consider him,” he added.