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.

Also read -UP Warriorz suffer massive setback with this player's injury in WPL 2026; replacement announced

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.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has strongly denied reports claiming that former India batter VVS Laxman was approached to take over as India’s next Test coach. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia dismissed the claims, calling them “factually incorrect and baseless,” and clarified that there is no plan to change the Test team’s leadership.

The rumors gained momentum after India suffered a 0–2 home Test series loss to South Africa under current head coach Gautam Gambhir. This came soon after last year’s 0–3 whitewash against New Zealand at home, which ended India’s long unbeaten home Test run and ruled them out of the ICC World Test Championship final.

Following the South Africa defeat, India’s Test future has come under scrutiny again, with their chances of reaching the next World Test Championship final now depending on upcoming series results.

Saikia Calls Coaching Rumours “Speculative and Untrue”

Speaking to ANI, Saikia firmly rejected the speculation. He said, “This is totally incorrect news going on. This is totally speculative news. Some very reputable news agencies are also flashing the news. There is no truth to it. BCCI straight away denies.” He added that the board has not taken any steps to change the Test coaching setup.

See Also: New Zealand all-rounder Doug Bracewell announces retirement from all forms of cricket

Saikia further stated, “People can think all they want, but BCCI has not taken any steps. This is somebody's figment of imagination; there is no truth in it, and I cannot say anything except that this is factually incorrect and baseless news.” While India’s Test performances have declined, the team has enjoyed strong success under Gambhir in limited-overs cricket, winning the ICC Champions Trophy and the Asia Cup T20I without losing a match. In contrast, India’s Test record under him stands at seven wins, 10 losses, and two draws.

India started Gambhir’s Test tenure with a home series win against Bangladesh and later secured a 2–2 draw in England under young captain Shubman Gill. However, losses to New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa triggered concerns, particularly with the retirement of top players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin. Currently, India looks to defend the T20 World Cup title beginning February 7 against the USA with Suryakumar Yadav.

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.

See Also: "Bad business..."- Cricket Australia breaks silence on MCG surface for 4th Ashes 2025/26 Test

“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.

While India under the head coach of Gautam Gambhir in white-ball cricket is dominating, the Test team is deeply struggling. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly considering an alternative option for the Indian Test coaching system. 

Since Gautam Gambhir has taken the head coach responsibility of the Indian national cricket team, the Men in Blues are dominating in white-ball cricket, as they won the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and Asia Cup T20 2025, both as unbeaten sides. 

However, the Gambhir-managed Test team is deeply struggling in Test cricket, as they suffered a whitewash in the home Test series against New Zealand and South Africa. Although India managed to draw the Test series in England 2-2 in this calendar year, the Test head coach Gautam Gambhir is under serious scrutiny. 

Even though Gambhir's Indian ODI and T20I sides are performing impressively, the head coach is still in question for continuous experimenting in the squad and strategies. Some experts fear that these experiments can backfire on the Men in Blues in future tournaments. 

KKR IPL 2026 Ownership Update: Shah Rukh Khan set to acquire Mehta Group’s Shares in franchise

It would be interesting if Gambhir continues in Tests too

While the head coach Gautam Gambhir is currently under pressure, the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 can test him hugely. If India fail to impress in the forthcoming T20 World Cup, which India and Sri Lanka will host between February 7 and March 8, Gambhir's condition may be worse. 

However, even if India perform well in the T20 World Cup 2026, there is doubt whether Gambhir would continue the Test coaching. 

A BCCI source recently told PTI, "Gambhir does have (a) strong backing within the power corridors of Indian cricket and obviously, if India retain the T20 World Cup or at least reach the final, he would be seamlessly continuing with his assignment. However, it would be interesting if Gambhir continues in Tests too." 

VVS Laxman isn't interested in coaching senior Test team

While the source added that the former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman isn't interested in Indian Test coaching, it raises a significant report that the BCCI may be busy getting an alternative option for the Test coaching, if required in the near future. 

The source added, "His advantage being (that there) aren't too many alternate options in red ball format since VVS Laxman isn't interested in coaching senior Test team."

A twist in a tale in the second innings of the Sri Lanka vs India Test in August of 2010 remained in memory with a permanent mark for a heroic century by VVS Laxman.

Laxman's century came at the moment when India needed it the most at Colombo. The team led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni was on the wrong foot while chasing 257 runs in the second innings. Virendra Sehwag went back to the pavilion with a duck, Rahul Dravid fell short, and Sachin Tendulkar tried, but it was far from enough to throw an appropriate challenge to Sri Lanka.

It was the moment for Laxman to rise in crisis time. The right-handed batter scored an elegant hundred, remained unbeaten for 103 runs, and confirmed a stunning win. Under pressure, Suresh Raina was there in the middle till the end with Laxman, scoring an unbeaten 41 off 45. Laxman's 103* came against 149 deliveries, powered by 12 boundaries.

Read More: ENG vs IND 2025: 'I probably think he should...' - Harry Brook rejects Gautam Gambhir's decision to name him POTS

Spinners played a crucial part before Laxman's century 

The Indian bowling department also deserved credit behind India's fightback in the second. The first inning of the match was a high-scoring affair. Sri Lanka scored 425, while India got 436. Pragyan Ojha, Virendra Sehwag, and Amit Mishra—three spinners—took 3 scalps each and restricted the host to 267 in the following phase of the Test. Chasing down the target of 257 runs was a record for the Indian cricket team; it was their fourth-highest Test target at the time. 

Man of the match VVS Laxman said after the match, "It was a great team effort. The bowlers got us back into the game. The partnership between Sachin and myself was crucial to get the momentum back... I am glad that I have contributed when the team needed it."

In the absence of head coach Gautam Gambhir, VVS Laxman was spotted at Beckenham during India's intra-squad match ahead of the five-match Test series against England, starting this Friday.

As per multiple reports that came straight from the UK, it suggested that Laxman was closely monitoring the multi-day practice match along with the BCCI chief selector, Ajit Agarkar. Gambhir had to take a flight back to India because of his ailing mother; he has to join his family before the series begins.

VVS Laxman, head of the Centre of Excellence, mainly spent his time with the emerging players. The reason is not clear why he was in Beckenham before the all-important series versus England. There are multiple claims about his arrival in the UK, but all of the reports are suggesting something different. So, as of now, there is no clear indication why the former Indian cricketer was there.

Read More: SCK vs SCL Dream11 Prediction Today: Fantasy Cricket Tips Playing11 and Pitch Report

In a media report it is said, "The target is to win in England, and he may have spoken to the coaches and selectors present here and perhaps even attended the intra-squad game." But he holds no official role with this team."

As of now, the reason is not clear

But another quotation suggested, "He went to Switzerland and simply stopped by in London to spend time with the boys." It was always part of his plan." Among the contrary reports, there are now strong beliefs that Laxman was in Switzerland for a conference before heading to England. But there is no official confirmation from the board of the 50-year-old. 

Whatever the reason might be, his arrival could help the team a lot. He played 11 Tests in England and scored 586 runs at an average of 34.47, including five half-centuries. Laxman played in the county as well, for Lancashire in a couple of seasons. 

Wisden, the cricketing authority, released its list of the top six greatest Indian Test batters of all time on May 12, 2025, in the aftermath of Virat Kohli’s Test retirement, sparking discussions among fans and analysts. The list recognizes India's illustrious Test cricket batting history and highlights players who have played a defining role in the format with their skill, tenacity, and remarkable achievements. With years of consistency and match-winning performances, each of the six batters stamped their mark in the shortest format of Test cricket everywhere they went.

1. Sachin Tendulkar

Leading the list is Sachin Tendulkar, with his 15,921 Test runs in 200 matches at an average of 53.78 that stand unrivalled. Wisden points to his unmatched consistency over a period of 24 years, although he never reached 500 runs in a series or 250 in an innings. Tendulkar's 51 centuries and his ability to overpower attacks across the globe seal his place as India's greatest Test batsman.

2. Sunil Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar, with 10,122 runs in 125 Tests, comes second, renowned for his technical wizardry against aggressive pace attacks of the 1970s and 80s. He was the first player to cross the 10,000-run barrier in Tests, an achievement recognized by the BCCI by naming a boardroom '10000 Gavaskar' on May 15, 2025. Gavaskar's 34 centuries and away performances make him an Indian batting trailblazer.

3. Rahul Dravid

Nicknamed 'The Wall,' Rahul Dravid is placed third with 13,288 runs in 164 Tests at an average of 52.31. His marathon innings, like the 270 against Pakistan in 2004, and his performances in India's overseas wins, like the 2001 Kolkata Test, are what set him apart as great. 36 centuries and his unflappable temperament saw him become unstoppable.

4. Virat Kohli

Who retired from Tests on May 12, 2025? He is fourth overall with 9,906 runs in 123 Tests, with 30 centuries. From 2016 to 2019, Kohli was at his peak, made seven double centuries, and was the top batsman in the ICC Test rankings. Kohli was instrumental in changing India's Test fortunes overseas and played an aggressive style of Test cricket and led India to overseas success.

Also Read: List of Mumbai players honored with named stands at Wankhede stadium

5. VVS Laxman

Fifth on the list is VVS Laxman, whose 281 in Kolkata against Australia in 2001 isfrequently consideredy India's greatest Test innings. Laxman scored 8,781 runs in 134 Tests, and his wristy class plagued bowlers, most notably Australia. Hisstandsd with Dravid, particularly in comeback victories, are legendary.

Virender Sehwag

Finally, Sehwag rounds out this list with 8,586 runs in 104 Tests, playing a fearless, attacking game. His 319 against Pakistan in 2008, plus two other triple-centuries, demonstrate his dominance and his ability to redefine the Test opening batting role. With an 82.23 strike rate, Sehwag added an extra dimension to India's game when it came to playing Tests.

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has once again been re-appointed as the chairperson of the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee, reaffirming his continued influence in the cricketing world. The announcement came from the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sunday.

Ganguly, who first took on the role in 2021, replaced another Indian legend, Anil Kumble, after he served the maximum tenure allowed. Known for his bold and transformative leadership during his stint as India’s captain from 2000 to 2005, Ganguly has carried that same sharp cricketing mind into his post-playing career, including his term as BCCI President.

Laxman and Other Legends Join the Panel

Joining Ganguly on the committee is his longtime teammate and fellow Indian batting icon VVS Laxman, who has also been reappointed. The rest of the panel brings together a truly global mix of cricketing experience:

ALSO SEE: "RCB Ne Tod Di Rajasthan Ki Ghar Wali Ghamand!" – Fans go wild as Royal Challengers Bangalore crush RR in their own backyard in IPL 2025

• Desmond Haynes – West Indies batting legend
• Temba Bavuma – South Africa’s current Test and ODI captain
• Hamid Hassan – Former Afghan fast bowler
• Jonathan Trott – Former England batter and current Afghanistan head coach

Together, the committee will advise on key aspects of the men’s game, including playing conditions, rules, player behavior, and technological advancements in the sport.

Catherine Campbell to Head ICC Women’s Cricket Committee

In a parallel announcement, the ICC named Catherine Campbell, former New Zealand off-spinner, as the chairperson of the Women’s Cricket Committee. This move comes at a time when women’s cricket is rapidly expanding and gaining global attention.

ALSO SEE: Top 3 batters with most fifties in T20 cricket

Supporting Campbell on the panel are:

• Avril Fahey – Former Australian cricketer
• Pholetsi Moseki – CEO of Cricket South Africa (CSA)

The committee will be essential in determining the future of women's cricket through developing, structuring, and professionalizing the sport.

These new appointments reflect the ICC's vision for balancing tradition and modernization so that both the men's and women's games can move forward with robust leadership and diverse opinions.

India vs. Australia has been one of the most exciting rivalries in cricket history, delivering unforgettable matches since their first encounter in 1947-48. The contrasting playing conditions in the two countries add a layer of intrigue, making every series unique. Over the decades, many Indian batters have risen to the challenge, dominating Australian bowlers at home and away.

Here’s a look at the top five Indian batters who have scored the most runs against Australia in Test cricket.

5. Virat Kohli – 2042 Runs

Former Indian captain Virat Kohli has an outstanding record against Australia across formats. In Test cricket, he ranks fifth among Indians with the most runs against the Aussies.

In 25 matches, Kohli has amassed 2042 runs at an average of 47.48, including eight centuries (the second-most by an Indian vs. Australia) and five half-centuries. His highest score of 186 reflects his dominance with the bat. Kohli's leadership was historic; under him, India secured their first-ever Test series victory in Australia in 2018-19.

4. Cheteshwar Pujara – 2074 Runs

Known for his grit and resilience, Cheteshwar Pujara has been a thorn in Australia’s side. Between 2010 and 2023, Pujara played 25 Tests against them, scoring 2074 runs at an average of 49.38.

Pujara was instrumental in India’s victories in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series, emerging as the highest scorer in 2016-17 and 2018-19, and the second-highest in 2020-21. His tally includes five centuries and 11 half-centuries, proving his consistency across challenging conditions.

3. Rahul Dravid – 2143 Runs

Rahul Dravid, often referred to as The Wall, was a dependable batter for India in tough situations. Against Australia, he played 32 Tests between 1996 and 2012, scoring 2143 runs at an average of 39.68.

Dravid's contributions included two centuries and 13 half-centuries. His memorable 233 at Adelaide in 2003, and his partnership with VVS Laxman at Eden Gardens in 2001, underline his significance in India’s Test cricket history.

2. VVS Laxman – 2434 Runs

VVS Laxman had a special connection with playing against Australia, producing some of his career-best performances. He scored 2434 runs in 29 Tests between 1998 and 2012 at an impressive average of 49.67.

His innings of 281 at Eden Gardens in 2001 remains one of the greatest Test knocks of all time, helping India achieve a famous comeback win. Laxman’s six centuries and 12 half-centuries against Australia further highlight his ability to perform under pressure.

See Also: Watch: Travis Head looks set to bring back WC 2023 nightmare

1. Sachin Tendulkar – 3630 Runs

The Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar tops the list with 3630 runs against Australia, the most by any Indian and second-most overall in Test cricket. Tendulkar played 39 Tests against Australia from 1991 to 2013, averaging 55 with 11 centuries and 16 half-centuries.

His innings of 241 not out in Sydney in 2004 showcased his mastery over the Australian bowlers. Tendulkar’s consistency and ability to rise to the occasion made him the Aussies’ biggest challenge for over two decades.

The India-Australia rivalry in Test cricket is more than just a contest—it’s a battle of grit, skill, and legacy. These five batters have left an indelible mark on this storied competition, inspiring generations of cricketers and fans alike.

The 0-3 whitewash at home against the Black Caps has raised alarm bells within the BCCI administration, compelling them to revisit their 'A' program which involves bolstering their bench strength for the top-tier Indian team. As per a recent report from TOI, National Cricket Academy (NCA) head VVS Laxman is reportedly devising a strategy to create a player resource pool.

The 'A' program worked as a charm under the supervision of former India head coach Rahul Dravid who used to tour with developmental teams throughout the year thereby offering the highest degree of exposure to young budding India cricketers. 

The issues surrounding the 'A' program in the past

The 'A' program suffered a setback in the past following the advent of the Covid pandemic. These A tours presented a huge financial burden on the other boards as they refrained from sponsoring the India U-19 series and 'A' teams. Despite the pressing challenges, BCCI made concise efforts to organize a couple of shadow 'A' tours like the one that preceded India's Test tour of Australia. 

"Other boards have communicated to the BCCI that they can't bear the expenses of an 'A' tour. The BCCI has still tried to organize a couple of shadow 'A' tours like the one which precedes India's Test tour of Australia. Laxman is working on it to come up with a plan that will offer greater exposure to the next generation of cricketers," a source said.

The major reason behind several boards' reluctance to host the 'A' tours vastly stems from the financial implications. These tours do not generate any revenue and all the expenses have to be incurred by the local boards which makes the 'A' program a highly unsustainable prospect in the long run.  Laxman will have a tricky task at hand and needs to find a viable solution to make these tours more affordable. 

A look into India's most recent 'A' tour

India featured in an 'A' series earlier this year against the England Lions prior to the start of the five-match Test series against England. That series offered an all-round view to the selectors on the players' current standing which in turn provided a baseline for them to make suitable selections ahead of the competitive Test series. 

Moreover, the 'A' program also came into focus in India's previous BGT outing down under where the likes of Siraj, Thaku, Saini, and Sundar all of whom stepped up in the absence of senior players. These players were the by-product of the 'A' series that was scheduled just before the start of the series. On the back of some formidable performances in the 'A' series, these budding youngsters were able to book their place in the Indian playing Xl which subsequently triumphed under dire conditions to clinch the series by 2-1.  

See also: Nitish Reddy included in Ravi Shastri's playing Xl in the upcoming Perth Test