BCCI ponders Gambhir’s future as Team India head coach

Gautam Gambhir could be walking on thin ice as the head coach of Team India. Reports suggest that the BCCI is seriously considering making changes if the team does not recover soon. India’s disappointing performance in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy has already raised alarm bells.

India, led by Rohit Sharma, are trailing 1-2 in the five-Test series against Australia. The series has been difficult, especially for the top-order batsmen, whose struggles have been evident. With only one event left and the Champions Trophy just around the corner, the pressure is mounting.

“If things do not improve soon, even Gambhir’s position will not be safe,” revealed a senior BCCI official.

A difficult start to Gambhir’s coaching stint

This tour of Australia is Gambhir’s first big challenge as head coach and so far it has not gone as planned. The team that conquered Australia in its last two visits now looks far from its best level.

Gambhir’s style of constantly experimenting with the playing XI has also left some players feeling uneasy. While a gamble like Nitish Reddy’s has worked, his handling of others like Shubman Gill has come under fire.

“Some players feel insecure about their positions. “That doesn’t help the team’s morale,” the source added.

BCCI changes increase uncertainty

Things are also complicated at the administrative level. With Jay Shah moving to the ICC as president, the BCCI is in something of a flux. His replacement will only take office after January 12, leaving the Board without clear direction for now.

Roger Binny, the current BCCI president, has been kept out of big decisions, which hasn’t helped matters. The uncertainty around leadership is further complicating the situation with Gambhir.

Isn’t it the first option, but the only one?

When Gambhir was appointed head coach after the 2024 T20 World Cup, he was not the Board’s first choice. VVS Laxman was initially preferred but scheduling conflicts and lack of interest from international names made Gambhir the default choice.

“It was not the first option, but certain situations led to his appointment,” the official explained.

Since taking charge, Gambhir’s record has not been very good. India lost series against Sri Lanka and New Zealand and now finds itself in trouble in Australia. Many feel his experience is better suited to T20 cricket, where he excelled as a captain and mentor.

Kohli’s struggles: an unanswered problem

One of the biggest criticisms leveled at Gambhir has been his inability to address Virat Kohli’s current struggles outside the off-stump. Kohli’s dismissals in that channel have been a recurring theme, but a concrete solution has not yet emerged.

“Gambhir knows what is wrong; He has seen it as a player and as a coach. If you know, why haven’t you fixed it? asked a former Indian cricketer with over 90 Tests to his name.

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