Gautam Gambhir, BCCI Shut Down Coaching Exit Rumors With Firm Public Denial
Speculation around Gautam Gambhir’s future as India’s Test head coach has been firmly shut down by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), with senior officials publicly rejecting reports that the board is considering a change in leadership for the longest format.
In recent days, sections of the media suggested that former India batter and National Cricket Academy head VVS Laxman had been approached as a potential replacement for Gambhir. The rumors gained traction following India’s disappointing home Test performances, including a 0–2 whitewash against South Africa and last year’s crushing 0–3 series defeat to New Zealand. Those results not only dented India’s dominance at home but also cost them a place in the ICC World Test Championship 2025 final.
#WATCH | Delhi: Dismissing reports that the BCCI board is considering replacing or appointing a new head coach in the Test format in place of Gautam Gambhir, BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla says, “I want to make it very clear regarding the speculation circulating in the media… pic.twitter.com/PKNQYpilP5
— ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2025
However, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla categorically dismissed the reports, calling them baseless and speculative. Speaking to ANI, Shukla emphasized that the board has neither discussed nor initiated any move to replace Gambhir as Test coach.
“I want to make it very clear regarding the speculation circulating in the media about head coach Gautam Gambhir. People can think whatever they want, but the BCCI has not taken any steps in this direction. There is absolutely no truth to these reports,” Shukla said.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia echoed the same sentiment, stating that the claims were nothing more than “someone’s figment of imagination.” Saikia confirmed that the board remains fully aligned with the current leadership group and has no intention of making changes in the Test setup.
“This is totally speculative news. There is no plan to remove Gambhir or bring in a new head coach for India’s Test team. These reports are factually incorrect and baseless,” Saikia stated firmly.
The speculation emerged at a time when Indian cricket is undergoing a broader transition. While the Test side has faced turbulence, India’s young T20I unit has enjoyed a stellar year, remaining unbeaten across all bilateral series. The upcoming T20 World Cup presents a new challenge, as India will defend their title without stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for the first time in several years, and in front of a home crowd.
Gautam Gambhir, BCCI officials dismiss speculation as baseless, confirm no plans to change India’s Test coach
Under Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership, the new-look T20 side will begin their campaign on February 7, with India drawn in Group A alongside Pakistan, Namibia, the Netherlands, and the USA. The tournament represents India’s immediate priority, particularly after the disappointment of missing out on the World Test Championship final.
Despite the setbacks in Test cricket, the BCCI appears keen to maintain continuity rather than react impulsively to results. Gambhir, who took over the role amid high expectations, has overseen a period of transition, balancing senior players with emerging talent. While results have not always gone India’s way, the board seems committed to giving the coaching staff time to stabilize the Test side.
The recent Test losses have undeniably raised tough questions, especially after India’s long-standing home dominance was shaken. Yet, officials believe knee-jerk reactions could do more harm than good, particularly with multiple global tournaments lined up across formats.
For now, the message from the BCCI is unambiguous: Gautam Gambhir remains India’s Test head coach, and there are no discussions about replacing him. As Indian cricket navigates a demanding phase across formats, stability at the top appears to be the board’s chosen path forward.
Whether Gambhir can steer India back to consistent success in Test cricket remains to be seen, but any talk of his immediate removal has been firmly put to rest.
