Gautam Gambhir might be walking on thin ice as Team India’s head coach. Reports suggest the BCCI is seriously considering changes if the team doesn’t bounce back soon. India’s underwhelming run in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy has already set alarm bells ringing.
India, led by Rohit Sharma, is trailing 1-2 in the five-Test series against Australia. The series has been a tough one, especially for the top-order batters, whose struggles have been glaring. With just one Test left and the Champions Trophy around the corner, the pressure is mounting.
“If things don’t improve soon, even Gambhir’s position won’t be safe,” a senior BCCI official revealed.
A Rocky Start for Gambhir’s Coaching Stint
This Australian tour is Gambhir’s first major challenge as head coach, and so far, it hasn’t gone to plan. The team that conquered Australia in their last two visits now looks far from its best.
Gambhir’s style of constantly experimenting with the playing XI has also left some players feeling unsettled. While a gamble like Nitish Reddy has worked, his handling of others, like Shubman Gill, has been criticised.
“Some players feel insecure about their spots. That’s not helping the team’s morale,” the source added.
Changes in BCCI Add to the Uncertainty
Things are complicated at the administrative level too. With Jay Shah moving to the ICC as Chairman, the BCCI is in a bit of flux. His replacement will only take over after January 12, leaving the Board without a clear direction for now.
Roger Binny, the current BCCI president, has stayed out of big decisions, which hasn’t helped matters. The uncertainty around leadership is making the situation with Gambhir even trickier.
Not the First Choice, But the Only Option?
When Gambhir was appointed head coach after the 2024 T20 World Cup, he wasn’t the Board’s first pick. VVS Laxman was initially preferred, but scheduling conflicts and lack of interest from international names made Gambhir the default choice.
“He wasn’t the first choice, but certain situations led to his appointment,” the official explained.
Since taking over, Gambhir’s track record hasn’t been great. India has lost series against Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and now finds itself struggling in Australia. Many feel his expertise is better suited for T20 cricket, where he’s excelled as both captain and mentor.
Kohli’s Struggles—An Unanswered Problem
One of the biggest criticisms against Gambhir has been his inability to address Virat Kohli’s ongoing struggles outside the off-stump. Kohli’s dismissals in that channel have been a recurring issue, yet no concrete solution has emerged.
“Gambhir knows what’s wrong—he’s seen it as a player and a coach. If he knows, why hasn’t he fixed it?” asked a former India cricketer with over 90 Tests to his name.
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