Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir, despite intense scrutiny after the red-ball slump and the recent series losses to Ireland and England, is expected to retain his role till the end of his tenure in 2027. According to a report by Rev Sportz, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are not planning a coaching shake-up at this stage, even if the worst-case scenario, like a series loss against Sri Lanka, hits.
Gautam Gambhir was appointed Team India head coach in 2024 after Rahul Dravid completed his term. Although the Men in Blue have secured two ICC trophies in the form of the Champions Trophy 2025 and the T20 World Cup 2026, the former opener’s reign at the helm has been intertwined with chaos.
Amid claims of VVS Laxman potentially taking over as head coach if the concerning set of results continue, Gautam Gambhir has BCCI’s strong backing for the remainder of his contract as he is overseeing a team undergoing a massive transition.
“It is learnt that an interim appointment, even in the worst-case scenario, is all but ruled out. VVS Laxman is more comfortable working as the head of cricket at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Also, the idea of split coaching has yet to become fashionable in Indian cricket. Of course, if the 44-year-old decides to walk, that would be a completely different matter. But this is purely hypothetical. As regards the shorter formats, Gambhir will continue at least until the 2027 ODI World Cup,” the report states.
VVS Laxman had recently revealed that he had turned down the opportunity to take over as Team India head coach in 2024, with the role eventually going to Gautam Gambhir. The former right-handed batter has also been linked with the chief selector role, currently held by Ajit Agarkar.
BCCI believe Shubman Gill’s injury cost them the IND vs SA 2026 Tests
A major reason that fans and pundits remain uncertain of Team India’s red-ball credentials is their 0-2 home series loss against South Africa in late 2025. The Temba Bavuma-led visiting side tamed India in both Kolkata and Guwahati to register their first Test series win on Indian soil since 2000.
Team India skipper Shubman Gill sustained a neck injury in the first innings of the series opener, forcing him to walk off the field. He was unbeaten on four when he left the field, and did not return to resume his innings. Furthermore, he was unavailable for the run chase as well, as India were bowled out for 93, while trying to chase down 124.
“There is a firm belief in the camp that the results against South Africa would have been different if Gill had been fit and available. In the upcoming series against Sri Lanka, India are also missing Jasprit Bumrah, Sai Sudharsan and Washington Sundar, at least for the first Test,” the report adds.
Shubman Gill will lead Team India as they return to the WTC 2025-27 cycle with the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium on Saturday, August 15.
Edited by Gokul Nair