Gambhir out, Laxman in? Inside BCCI's big Team India coach call

India's disappointing T20I series defeat to England has put head coach Gautam Gambhir under increasing pressure. The heavy loss has raised questions about the team's recent performances, and several reports suggest that the BCCI will review both the coaching staff and the players. According to sources, the board is unhappy with the team's results and is considering its options ahead of India's upcoming assignments.

Unlike players, the India head coach works under a contract with the BCCI. Although Gambhir's current deal runs until the end of the 2027 ODI World Cup, the board has the authority to end the contract before its expiry if it believes a change is necessary. As of now, there has been no official announcement that Gambhir has been removed. However, reports claim that the BCCI is closely evaluating his future following India's poor run of results.

Amid the growing speculation, several names have been linked with the role, with former India coach VVS Laxman reportedly emerging as the leading candidate if the BCCI decides to make a change. Throughout this article, we will share whether Gautam Gambhir can be sacked, what the BCCI rules say, why his position has come under scrutiny, and why VVS Laxman is being considered for India's upcoming assignments.

Why Gambhir is skipping the Zimbabwe T20Is and Asian Games 2026

India's 3-0 T20I series defeat to England has increased the pressure on both the players and the coaching staff. Before this, India had also lost a T20I series against Ireland. England also made history by winning their first bilateral T20I series against India. According to BCCI sources, the board will review the performance of the players and the coaching staff after these poor results.

Gautam Gambhir will not travel with the Indian team for the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe or the 2026 Asian Games. The BCCI has decided to give the senior coaching staff a short break after the England series. India will play three T20Is against Zimbabwe in Harare on July 23, 25 and 27. The series will begin just four days after the England tour ends.

During Gambhir's absence, VVS Laxman will lead the support staff. He will be joined by batting coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar and bowling coach Sunil Joshi. Laxman and his team will also guide India at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. Gambhir is expected to return for India's home white-ball series against the West Indies, where he will work with the ODI team.

Inside BCCI's review meeting: Is this the end of the road for Gambhir?

The BCCI is expected to hold a detailed review meeting after India's disappointing T20I series defeat to England. The board will assess the performance of the coaching staff, selectors, and team management instead of making quick changes. Gautam Gambhir remains under contract until the 2027 ODI World Cup, and the BCCI is also considering that the team is going through a transition with a new T20I captain and several young players.

At present, Gambhir's dismissal looks unlikely. Performance reviews are common after major series defeats, especially when India loses back-to-back bilateral series. Although Gambhir's work will be reviewed along with the players, there has been no official indication that the BCCI is planning to remove him as head coach. The board is expected to focus more on improving team strategy, selection, and planning rather than making a coaching change.

The pressure on Gambhir has increased because of India's poor performances in recent months. Many fans and experts have questioned the decision to replace World Cup-winning captain Suryakumar Yadav with Shreyas Iyer, continue with an inexperienced batting line-up, and make several selection and batting-order changes during the England series. India's struggle to adjust to English conditions has also added to the criticism, putting Gambhir's coaching decisions under the spotlight.

VVS Laxman's track record as stand-in coach — can he save India's T20 slide?

VVS Laxman has served as India's stand-in head coach on several occasions and has delivered impressive results. He was in charge during India's tour of Zimbabwe in 2024, where Shubman Gill led the team and Abhishek Sharma made his international debut. Laxman also coached India at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou while Rahul Dravid was with the senior team during the ODI World Cup. Under his guidance, India won the gold medal at the Asian Games.

Laxman made his coaching debut for India during the T20I series against Ireland. India won the two-match series 2-0 under his leadership. Since then, he has coached India in several T20I assignments.

As India's stand-in coach, he has led the team in eight T20 matches, winning six, losing one, and recording one tied match, giving him an impressive win percentage of 75%. In ODIs, he has coached India in nine matches, winning five and losing two, while two games ended without a result.

Overall, VVS Laxman has built a strong record whenever he has taken charge of the Indian team. His experience with young players and his success in international assignments make him a trusted choice for the BCCI. If he gets another opportunity, Laxman will look to continue his winning record and help India return to winning ways.