India recently had to face a crushing defeat in the home Test series against South Africa. In this two-match Test series, Team India lost 0-2, due to which questions were raised on the team’s performance in red ball cricket. Although after this India definitely made a comeback by winning the ODI and T20 International series, but this defeat in the Test format has intensified the discussions regarding the coaching setup.
Contact VVS Laxman informally
Especially a churning has started within the BCCI regarding the role of Gautam Gambhir as the coach of the red ball team. Meanwhile, a report has revealed that a senior official of the Board of Control for Cricket in India had informally contacted former legendary batsman VVS Laxman. The purpose of this conversation was to know whether Laxman was interested in taking over the responsibility of coaching the Test team.
Gautam Gambhir’s record as a coach in white ball cricket has been strong. Under his guidance, India won titles like Champions Trophy and ACC Tournament. But till now his results in Test cricket are not considered satisfactory. After the defeat in the home series against South Africa, the questions deepened whether Gambhir is the right choice for the red ball format.
However, VVS Laxman currently seems to be content in the role of ‘Chief of Cricket’ at BCCI’s Center of Excellence in Bengaluru and has not shown much interest in coaching the senior Test team. On the other hand, Gambhir’s contract with BCCI is till 2027 ODI World Cup. It is believed that his future may be reconsidered based on the team’s performance in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
There is also a discussion going on in the corridors of BCCI whether Gambhir will prove to be a suitable coach for the team in the remaining nine Test matches of the World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. In the coming time, India has to play many important test series, which include foreign tours as well as domestic challenges.
Are players feeling insecure in the current coaching environment?
Meanwhile, worrying signs are also emerging regarding the Indian dressing room. According to reports, many players are feeling unsafe in the current coaching environment. During Rahul Dravid’s tenure, players used to get longer opportunities, whereas during Gambhir’s tenure, there is strictness regarding selection. The exclusion of Shubman Gill from the T20 World Cup team is being considered as a big example of this, which has created uncertainty in the minds of other players as well.
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