The corridors of Indian cricket, often buzzing with anticipation, recently held a quieter, more discerning hum. In the immediate aftermath of India’s disappointing home whitewash against South Africa in Tests, significant internal discussions unfolded within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The focus? Exploring alternatives for India’s Test coach. Intriguingly, former India batting maestro VVS Laxman was informally sounded out for this pivotal role, a potential shift to replace Gautam Gambhir in the red-ball setup.
BCCI’s Informal Search: Why VVS Laxman was Approached to Replace Gautam Gambhir
According to a PTI report, these initial conversations with Laxman occurred soon after India’s humbling two-Test series defeat last month. This result intensified scrutiny on Gautam Gambhir’s red-ball record, prompting BCCI officials to explore other avenues. While Gambhir’s white-ball tenure delivered significant silverware, his Test record presented a stark contrast, notably with India suffering 10 defeats in challenging SENA countries. The move to sound out VVS Laxman, celebrated for his cricketing intellect, signaled the board’s desire for specialist Test leadership. However, discussions didn’t progress beyond preliminary stages. Laxman, currently Head of Cricket at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, was content with his existing position and showed no interest in leading the senior Test side. This effectively shut the door on an immediate change due to limited alternatives, despite palpable unease within sections of the board.
Gambhir’s Contract and Lingering Questions in the Test Arena
Despite the informal exploration, Gautam Gambhir’s overarching contract with the BCCI remains secure until the 2027 ODI World Cup. Yet, the PTI report indicates his future specifically in Tests could still be reviewed, largely hinging on India’s performance in the upcoming T20 World Cup. While Gambhir enjoys strong backing within influential BCCI circles, complete unanimity on his red-ball role for the remainder of the World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle is absent. Modern international cricket’s complexities often spark debates around single versus split coaching roles.
The Road Ahead: Upcoming Challenges and BCCI’s Strategic Pause
India’s immediate Test calendar includes overseas assignments in Sri Lanka and New Zealand, before a high-profile five-Test home series against Australia in early 2027. Amidst these strategic considerations, concerns have reportedly surfaced regarding uncertainty within the dressing room. Players are said to be feeling less secure compared to the clearly defined roles and stability experienced during Rahul Dravid’s tenure. The BCCI, known for its measured ‘wait-and-watch’ approach, is anticipated to make a more informed decision regarding split coaching responsibilities, or maintaining a single head coach across all formats, subsequent to the T20 World Cup and the ensuing Indian Premier League (IPL) window. This prudent delay highlights the board’s intention to thoroughly assess all variables before committing to a long-term strategy for Indian cricket’s red-ball future.
The recent informal discussions where VVS Laxman was approached to replace Gautam Gambhir as India’s Test coach offer a rare glimpse into the internal deliberations of the BCCI. They underscore the board’s commitment to excellence and its proactive stance in addressing performance gaps, particularly in the Test arena. As the T20 World Cup looms, all eyes will be on India’s performance, which could very well dictate the trajectory of coaching decisions for the game’s most traditional format. The coming months promise to be decisive, shaping not only the team’s immediate future but also the strategic leadership framework of Indian cricket for years to come.
Image Credit: Financial Express
