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Though Gautam Gambhir has delivered big time as India's white-ball coach, things aren't the same when it comes to Test cricket. Under his guidance, the Men in Blue suffered series whitewashes at home to both New Zealand and South Africa and also lost the Border-Gavaskar series against Australia. There has been a lot of criticism around Gambhir and it will only stop if the team starts grinding positive results in the longest format.
According to a report by PTI, a key figure in the BCCI had approached VVS Laxman for the role of Test coach after India's series defeat to South Africa. However, the report further stated that is happy being the 'Head of Cricket' at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
Gambhir's future depends on T20 World Cup?
The report also mentioned that Gambhir's future as India's head coach will depend on the side's performance in the 2026 T20 World Cup. He will be continuing in his role if the Men in Blue retain the title or reach the final, but things can change when it comes to Tests. Though his contract runs until the 2027 ODI World Cup, it can be revisited at any point of time by the BCCI.
"Gambhir does have (a) strong backing within the power corridors of Indian cricket and obviously, if India retain the T20 World Cup or at least reach the final, he would be seamlessly continuing with his assignment. However, it would be interesting if Gambhir continues in Tests too," a BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
"His advantage being (that there) aren't too many alternate options in red ball format since VVS Laxman isn't interested in coaching senior Test team," the source added.
India set to host New Zealand in January
With the T20 World Cup around the corner and the ODI World a little over a year away, India's focus has completely shifted towards white-ball cricket as of current. Their next Test assignment is yet to be scheduled, however their next white-ball opponent has been confirmed to be New Zealand. The Kiwis will be touring India for three ODIs and five T20Is in January before the T20 World Cup begins from February 7.
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India are the co-hosts of the tournament alongside Sri Lanka and have been placed in Group A alongside the likes of Namibia, Netherlands, Pakistan and USA. The Suryakumar Yadav-led side will begin their campaign with the clash against USA on February 7 at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai.
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