BCCI denies informal VVS Laxman talks, reaffirms faith in Gautam Gambhir despite South Africa setback: Report

Almost a month after the humiliating 0–2 whitewash against South Africa, India’s second home whitewash in the last 12 months, a media report claimed that the BCCI had “informally approached” former India batter VVS Laxman to take over as the head coach of the red-ball team. However, a senior BCCI official rubbished the speculation on Sunday, firmly reiterating the board’s backing of Gautam Gambhir.

Laxman has long been on the BCCI’s radar for the head coach’s role. When Rahul Dravid’s tenure was coming to an end last year, and with Gambhir emerging as the sole strong contender, the former India No.3 was reportedly sounded out. However, as mentioned in the PTI report, Laxman declined the offer, maintaining that he was content in his current role as Head of Cricket at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

According to a fresh report by NDTV, the BCCI has now categorically dismissed any suggestion of a change in leadership. A senior board official clarified that Gambhir remains the board’s choice and will continue in the role until the completion of his contract in 2027.

The official said: “We have not spoken to VVS Laxman either officially or unofficially. The BCCI has complete trust in Gautam Gambhir, and no discussion has been held regarding this matter.”

When Gautam Gambhir was asked to weigh in on his future as India’s head coach last month, amid growing calls for his removal, he was quick to point to his achievements in white-ball cricket. Under his tenure, India won the Champions Trophy in the ODI format and lifted the men’s T20 Asia Cup in September.

Those successes have not gone unnoticed. However, a PTI report revealed that the BCCI remains concerned about India’s prospects in the red-ball format, with the team currently placed sixth in the World Test Championship 2025–27 points table, with nine matches still to play.

The report further stated that although Gambhir’s contract runs until the end of the 2027 ODI World Cup, there is a strong possibility it could be revisited if India fail to meet expectations at the upcoming T20 World Cup. It added that the BCCI traditionally takes a wait-and-watch approach when it comes to major policy decisions. A look at the calendar also works in the board’s favour. After the T20 World Cup, the Indian Premier League will occupy the next two months, giving the decision-makers ample breathing space.

Those who have the final say in the BCCI will have sufficient time to take an informed call on whether to opt for split coaching or continue with a single coach across formats, after assessing India’s performance at the global event.