“Speculative & Baseless”: BCCI Backs Gautam Gambhir, Denies Talk of Test Coach Change
BCCI denies reports of sacking Gautam Gambhir as India Test coach, says rumours are baseless despite recent home defeats.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India has strongly denied reports claiming Gautam Gambhir could be removed as India’s Test head coach after the home whitewash against South Africa.
BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla said there is no plan to sack Gautam Gambhir or appoint a new head coach. He dismissed speculation that VVS Laxman was being considered as a replacement.
“I want to make it very clear regarding the speculation circulating in the media about head coach Gautam Gambhir. There is no plan to remove him or bring in a new head coach,” Shukla said in a statement.
Gambhir has been under pressure after India suffered back-to-back home Test series defeats against New Zealand and South Africa. Those losses also meant India failed to qualify for the World Test Championship final.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia echoed Shukla’s comments and called the reports of a coaching change “totally speculative and baseless.” He urged fans and media to not believe rumours without official confirmation.
Despite the recent struggles in Test cricket, the board pointed out that India’s white-ball form under Gambhir has been strong. The team won the Champions Trophy in 2025 and also lifted the Asia Cup during his tenure.
BCCI officials believe these results show the coaching setup is working, especially with major limited-overs tournaments on the horizon. India’s immediate focus is now on white-ball assignments, including the defence of the T20 World Cup.
Looking ahead, India’s Test schedule remains challenging. The team is set to tour Sri Lanka and New Zealand, followed by a high-profile home Border-Gavaskar series against Australia.
