‘Not looking to replace Gautam Gambhir’- BCCI official confirms despite India’s humiliation by South Africa- Reports

Despite growing calls for his sacking, India head coach Gautam Gambhir is likely to continue until his contract with the BCCI runs out in 2027. This despite India suffering a 0-2 Test series whitewash at the hands of South Africa at home, after New Zealand had done the same 0-3 last year. 

Advertisment

India has only won Test series against Bangladesh and West Indies at home since Gambhir has taken over. India has done much better in limited overs cricket, by winning the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the Asia Cup T20 2025 tournaments, but lost to Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka in ODIs for the first time.

According to certain rumors, VVS Laxman might take Gambhir's place as India's red-ball coach. But the BCCI still has faith in Gambhir, and according to the sources, he would get full backing while he rebuilds the team. At the conclusion of the South Africa white-ball series, the team management and selectors will meet, according to the sources.

"We are not looking to replace Gautam Gambhir at the moment. He is rebuilding a team. His contract runs till the 2027 World Cup. There will be a meeting between team management and selectors at the end of the South Africa tour. Gambhir will be asked how to pick up the test team's performance while transitioning," BCCI sources told NDTV.

Earlier, former Indian cricket team skipper Sunil Gavaskar came to Gambhir's defence.

“He's a coach. The coach can prepare a team. The coach can tell, you know, a guy with his experience. But it's out there in the middle that the players have to deliver. Now, to those who are asking, you know, for him to be held accountable, my question, counter-question is: what did you do when India won the Champions Trophy under him? What did you do when India won the Asia Cup under him?" he told India Today.

“Did you say then—you're asking for a sacking now—did you say then that he should be given an extended contract, a contract for life for one day cricket and for T20 cricket? You didn't say that. It's only when a team doesn't do well you look at the coach,” Gavaskar added.

Advertisment

Gambhir’s next assignment for India will be the three ODIs and five T20Is against South Africa that begin from November 30.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky247 India and download the Sky247 app to start betting today!