The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly reviewing its options for the coaching setup of the Test team following disappointing red-ball results under head coach Gautam Gambhir. Notably, as per PTI report, BCCI ‘informally contacted’ former Indian batsman VVS Laxman to check whether he would be interested in coaching.
India has come under severe criticism for its struggles in Test cricket despite the team’s success in limited overs cricket. The Men in Blue lifted the ICC and ACC trophies in each of the two formats. However, India suffered several defeats, including home whitewash series defeats to New Zealand and South Africa.
BCCI informally contacted VVS Laxman amid doubts over Gautam Gambhir?
According to a report by the Press Trust of India (PTI), the Board of Control for Cricket in India is still uncertain about India’s Test coaching future after another poor home series. India’s 0-2 defeat to South Africa has raised doubts over the red-ball setup.
After that defeat, a senior official informally approached VVS Laxman asking if he was interested in becoming a Test coach. However, Laxman is happy in his current role as head of cricket at the Center of Excellence in Bengaluru and does not want to take up the post.
Questions remain within the board about Gambhir whether he should continue as the red-ball coach. This was not the first time Laxman had been approached.
BCCI may review Gautam Gambhir’s tenure despite contract till 2027
BCCI has contracted Gautam Gambhir as head coach till the 2027 ODI World Cup. With the T20 World Cup around the corner, the board is ready to review the current setup if results do not improve. With nine Tests still left to be played, the team is currently placed sixth in the World Test Championship (WTC).
“Gambhir has strong support in the power corridors of Indian cricket and obviously, if India retain the T20 World Cup or at least reach the final, he will continue his work seamlessly. However, it would be interesting if Gambhir continues in Tests as well,” a BCCI source told PTI on condition of anonymity.
“His advantage is that there are not too many alternative options in the red-ball format as VVS Laxman is not interested in coaching the senior Test team,” the source said.
BCCI refuses to talk to VVS Laxman regarding the role of head coach
According to an NDTV report, Gautam Gambhir will remain the head coach at least till the 2027 World Cup. A senior BCCI official has also said that there has been no discussion with VVS Laxman as the board has full confidence in Gambhir.
A senior BCCI official said, “We have not spoken to VVS Laxman, officially or informally.” He further said, “BCCI has full confidence in Gautam Gambhir and there has been no discussion regarding this matter.”
Decisions can be unpredictable in Indian cricket, including the unexpected decision to drop Shubman Gill from the T20 World Cup squad. It is noteworthy that Gill has been the vice-captain of the Indian T-20 team.
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