Gautam Gambhir for India - (Source: AFP)
In a significant development, shocking details around Indian cricket have emerged online. A report mentioned that after India’s recent whitewash at home in Tests against South Africa, the BCCI approached VVS Laxman to replace Gautam Gambhir as red-ball head coach.
Notably, a PTI report from Kushan Sarkar stated that the India great rejected the informal offer as he is happy with his role as the ‘Head of Cricket' at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Notably, the BCCI is not happy with Gambhir in red-ball cricket as the Shubman Gill-led side have won just seven Tests in 19 games under Gambhir’s era.
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.
BCCI mulling reviweing Gambhir’s contract
The threat is not over for Gambhir despite Laxman’s rejection as the BCCI is mulling revisiting the former India opener’s contract. Notably, Gambhir’s tenure as India head coach runs till 2027 ODI World Cup, but the latest report added that if India fail to reach the final or lift the trophy, then the contract will be reevaluated.
"Gambhir does have 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 condition of anonymity.
Multi-format coach an open option for BCCI
Therefore, a lot is at stake for Gautam Gambhir going forward. The former Indian southpaw is already at the receiving end of criticism over the recent Indian performance. Although, one thing that stands out from the recent development is that India might actually be pushing for multi-format coach.
Over the years, the BCCI has refrained from going for multiple coaches.
