Overview
- Multiple outlets cite a PTI report that an influential BCCI figure informally approached VVS Laxman to take over the Test side after the South Africa whitewash, but Laxman declined and prefers his Centre of Excellence role.
- A senior BCCI official publicly denied any talks with Laxman and stated the board has complete trust in Gautam Gambhir.
- Gambhir’s white-ball tenure features Champions Trophy and Asia Cup titles, yet India’s red-ball form has slumped with home whitewashes by New Zealand and South Africa and a slide to around sixth in the WTC standings with nine Tests left.
- Sources indicate the board could revisit Gambhir’s remit after the February 2026 home T20 World Cup and the IPL window, with split-format coaching among the options.
- PTI-linked reporting describes a “confused” dressing room and heightened insecurity following Shubman Gill’s omission from the T20 World Cup squad.