Gautam Gambhir’s coaching tenure with Team India has had a rocky start. After Rohit Sharma’s team lost the ODI series to Sri Lanka for the first time in 27 years, they were then whitewashed by New Zealand in the Test series at home, marking India’s first-ever home series whitewash.
Despite initial expectations, Gambhir is now is facing a make-or-break scenario ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Reports suggest that if India doesn’t perform well in Australia, Gambhir could be replaced as Test coach by VVS Laxman, head of the National Cricket Academy. Gambhir may then be asked to coach the white-ball teams, making it India’s first split coaching arrangement for different formats.
As per the media report, however, this claim could not be independently verified. It remains uncertain whether Gambhir would accept such a change. Ultimately, his fate will depend on how Rohit Sharma and the team perform in Australia.
India needs to win the series against Australia by a margin of 4-0 or 5-0 to qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. At the very least, India must win two matches in Australia to keep their hopes alive for a spot in the summit clash at Lord’s next year. However, even two wins wouldn’t guarantee qualification, as the team would rely on other results to go in their favour.
BCCI Holds Six-Hour Meeting with Gambhir and Rohit Sharma
On Friday, the BCCI conducted a six-hour meeting with head coach Gautam Gambhir, chief selector Ajit Agarkar, and captain Rohit Sharma to discuss the 0-3 Test series loss against New Zealand at home. Reports indicate that there are disagreements between Gambhir and the Indian think-tank over certain decisions, including the use of turning pitches during the series against New Zealand.
Gambhir has already overseen two series losses, and the upcoming loss against Australia could be a decisive factor in his coaching future. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is set to begin on November 22 in Perth, with subsequent Tests scheduled for Adelaide (pink ball Test), Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney.
Ahead of the series, the team management cancelled the practice match in Perth and chose match simulation at the center wicket instead of playing India A at the WACA.