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BCCI Secretary issues final verdict on Gautam Gambhir's sacking as Test head coach

Anurag Dasgupta

Devajit Saikia breaks silence on Gambhir's Test coach sacking [Source: AFP Photo] Devajit Saikia breaks silence on Gambhir's Test coach sacking [Source: AFP Photo]

Gautam Gambhir’s India coaching tenure has been a rocky ride as under his guidance, the team has excelled in the white-ball format, dominating in the T20Is and in the ODIs but he is yet to crack the Test code as India endured a series whitewash at the hands of South Africa, last month, and the same fate occurred against New Zealand in 2024.

In the home Test series against the Kiwis last year, India were blanked 0-3 by a depleted visiting side, and the team also lost the Border-Gavaskar series against Australia, Down Under. It was followed by a promising performance in England, but against the reigning WTC champions, South Africa, India surrendered and lost the series, 0-2 at home.

BCCI Secretary denies Gambhir's sacking rumours

The two series clean sweep has raised serious doubts regarding Gambhir’s ability to coach the red-ball team, and recently, reports surfaced that VVS Laxman was informally approached to check whether he would be interested in coaching the India Test team.

However, BCCI Secretary, Devajit Saikia has quashed all the rumours, and has backed Gambhir to continue as the Test team coach.

"It's all rumours. We haven't discussed or approached anyone. He will continue as per the contract," Saikia told Sports Tak.

WTC points table showcases India's vulnerability in Tests under Gambhir

In the first two editions of the World Test Championship (WTC), India reached the finals, first under Virat Kohli, and then under the guidance of Rohit Sharma. The team lost both the finals, but they were heading in the right direction. However, in the last two cycles, the ride has not been smooth for the Indian team.

Before Gambhir’s arrival as the head coach, India were in a pole position to reach yet another finale, but after that, the team won against Bangladesh at home, and then lost back-to-back against New Zealand and Australia, which ended their WTC finale dream.

In the ongoing cycle, India started promisingly, drawing the series away from home against England, and then they defeated the West Indies at home. However, against the Proteas, Team India crumbled under pressure as they lost both the Tests, and currently they languish at sixth position in the points table, having won 4 out of nine Tests played.

India's remaining matches in WTC cycle 2025-27

India's next WTC assignment will take place against Sri Lanka away from home in August 2026.  They will then tour New Zealand for their next Test assignment, followed by a gruelling five-match series at home against the visiting Australian side.

India have nine Tests remaining in the current cycle and for them to qualify for the WTC finale, the team has to at-least win six Tests.