Gambhir, who took charge as India’s head coach in July 2024 after Rahul Dravid’s tenure ended, has been criticized for India’s inconsistent performances in the longest format. The recent home series against South Africa recorded India’s first Test series loss to the Proteas at home since 2000. It also followed a 0-3 home defeat to New Zealand last year, making it back-to-back home series setbacks.
These results led to speculation that the BCCI was unhappy with the Indian Test direction under Gambhir, especially after the team failed to qualify for the final of the World Test Championship for the first time since the tournament began. Clearing all doubts, Shukla issued a statement denying any decision to replace Gambhir.
“I want to make it very clear regarding the speculations circulating in the media about head coach Gautam Gambhir. The BCCI secretary (Devajit Saikia) has also made it very clear that there is no plan to remove Gambhir or bring in a new head coach for India,” Shukla told as quoted by News18.
India’s next focus remains on limited-overs cricket
Earlier, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia called the reports completely speculative and baseless. He stressed that the board has not taken any steps to change the coaching structure and asked fans and media not to believe in unsubstantiated claims.
Gambhir’s overall coaching tenure includes notable success, with India winning the 2025 Champions Trophy and the Asia Cup under his leadership. India have won seven of the 19 Tests played since his appointment, including series wins against Bangladesh and the West Indies at home and a five-Test draw in England.
However, defeats against New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, especially domestically, have raised questions about India’s red-ball performance. The head coach himself accepted the pressure after the South African series and stated that his future was ultimately for the BCCI to decide.
Meanwhile, India’s next focus remains on limited-overs cricket, including defending their T20 World Cup title. In Test cricket, they will tour Sri Lanka and New Zealand in 2026, followed by a five-Test home Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in early 2027.
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