Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice president Rajeev Shukla has responded to reports suggesting that Gautam Gambhiras the status of IndiaThe Test head coach is in danger. After the crushing defeat in the home test series against India South AfricaSpeculation runs rampant in the cricket circuit about a possible coaching overhaul with the former India batsman VVS Laxman Being seen as a possible replacement. However, the board has now moved swiftly to close all such claims.
Rajeev Shukla spoke openly amid news of Gautam Gambhir’s uncertain future.
Rajiv publicly addressed the rumors and clarified that the board has full confidence in Gambhir’s leadership. Speaking to the media, Shukla clearly said that there is no discussion or proposal within the BCCI to remove Gambhir from the role of India head coach.
“I would like to clarify this with regard to the speculations going on in the media regarding head coach Gautam Gambhir. BCCI Secretary (Devjit Saikia) has also made it clear that there are no plans to remove Gambhir or bring in a new head coach for India.” Shukla was quoted as saying by News 18.
Gambhir’s tenure under question!
Gambhir takes over as India head coach in July 2024 Rahul Dravid After a successful tenure with the latter. Although Gambhir’s appointment was initially welcomed for his no-nonsense approach and tactical clarity, India’s red-ball performances over the past year have drawn criticism.
The recent defeat against South Africa marked India’s first home Test series defeat at the hands of the Proteas since 2000. The setback came after a 0-3 home series defeat to New Zealand last year, making it two consecutive home series defeats in Tests. Adding to the disappointment, India also failed to qualify for the World Test Championship final for the first time since the tournament began, raising doubts about the team’s direction in the longest format.
Despite the red-ball struggles, Gambhir’s overall coaching record presents a more balanced picture. Under his guidance, India has achieved significant success in white-ball cricket, winning the Champions Trophy and Asia Cup in 2025.
Also read: Kapil Dev shares his honest thoughts on Gautam Gambhir’s coaching tenure ahead of T20 World Cup 2026
The way forward for Team India
For now, the BCCI’s stance ends any uncertainty over Gambhir’s future and signals continuity in the leadership. India’s immediate focus will be on limited-overs cricket, where they aim to defend their T20 World Cup title. In Test cricket, the upcoming tours of Sri Lanka and New Zealand in 2026 will be important in rebuilding confidence, before turning attention to the five-Test home Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in 2027.
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