Reports: BCCI approached legendary Indian cricketer to replace Gautam Gambhir as red ball coach

According to various reports surrounding the internet, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is likely to look for a new red-ball coach for the Indian men’s national cricket team after their recent whitewash to South Africa at home.

While Gautam Gambhir's record as India's white ball head coach has been pretty impressive, he suffered 10 Test defeats against SENA countries, possessing a poor Test record since becoming the Indian head coach.

According to a report, it is understood that right after India's whitewash against South Africa in the two-Test series at home, a source in the BCCI had once again informally approached VVS Laxman to check if he would be interested in coaching the red ball team.

However, it is learnt that VVS is happy being the 'Head of Cricket' at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. It’s important to note that Gambhir's contract with Team India is expected to end after the end of the 2027 ODI World Cup. 

However, there is every possibility that it could be revisited, depending on India’s performance at the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which is scheduled to start on February 7 next year. A total of nine Tests have been remaining in the World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.

Having drawn 2-2 in a five-Test series in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in England, India have three overseas assignments comprising two Tests each against Sri Lanka in August 2026, and a tour of New Zealand in October, before hosting Australia for a five-Test series in January-February 2027.

"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.

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