The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially moved to silence speculation regarding Gautam Gambhir’s future as the head coach of the Indian Test team. On Sunday, December 28, 2025, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia dismissed reports claiming the board was planning to split coaching roles or replace Gambhir in the red-ball format.
The clarification follows a week of intense media scrutiny after India suffered a humbling 0–2 whitewash at home against South Africa in November. The second Test in Guwahati saw India fall by 408 runs—their largest-ever defeat by runs in Test history.
“Business as Usual” for Gambhir
Speaking to Sports Tak, Saikia emphasized that the board is sticking to its long-term vision.
- The Rumor: It was reported that the BCCI had informally approached VVS Laxman (currently Head of Cricket at the Centre of Excellence) to take over the Test side.
- The Dismissal: “It’s all rumors. We haven’t discussed or approached anyone. He [Gambhir] will continue as per the contract,” Saikia stated.
- The Record: Since taking over in July 2024, Gambhir has overseen a successful white-ball run, including an ICC Champions Trophy win in early 2025 and an Asia Cup title. However, his Test record stands at 7 wins, 10 losses, and 2 draws out of 19 matches.
The WTC 2025-27: A Steep Hill to Climb
India’s recent dip in form has put their World Test Championship (WTC) Final hopes in serious jeopardy. Currently sitting in 6th place with a PCT of 48.15, the team faces a “must-win” scenario for the remainder of the cycle.
India’s Remaining Test Schedule: | Series | Timeframe | Venue | Goal for Final | | :— | :— | :— | :— | | Sri Lanka (2 Tests) | August 2026 | Away | Must win 2–0 | | New Zealand (2 Tests) | October 2026 | Away | Must win/draw | | Australia (5 Tests) | Jan–Feb 2027 | Home | Must win 4–0 or 4–1 |
Note: India must win at least seven out of their next nine Tests to have a realistic chance of finishing in the top two.
A Team in Transition
Saikia also touched upon the “transition phase” of the squad, noting the recent departures of stalwarts Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin from the longest format. Under Gambhir’s assertive leadership, the board is looking to build a younger core around Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal to reclaim the World No. 1 ranking.