VVS Laxman Approached for India’s Test Coach Post as Pressure Mounts on Gambhir: Report

New Delhi: Over the past year, two completely different faces of Indian cricket have emerged. The team has consistently performed well in the white ball formats, i.e., ODI and T20, but as soon as the red ball test came, the figures looked disappointing. New Zealand and South Africa defeated India 3–0 and 2–0 at home, while Australia lost the series 3–1 despite their first win. These results have raised the question of whether head coach Gautam Gambhir is the right choice in the Test format.

Has the search for Gambhir's replacement begun?

According to a PTI report, after the defeat in South Africa, a senior BCCI figure had informally spoken to VVS Laxman to find out if he was interested in coaching the Test team. But Laxman clearly indicated that he is currently comfortable in his role as 'Head of Cricket' at the Bengaluru-based Center of Excellence and does not see the need for change.

It is also clear from this that BCCI has very limited options to bring any big name immediately into the Test format.

What is the atmosphere inside BCCI?

The inside news is that Gautam Gambhir has the trust of the powerful factions of the board. It is also believed that if the team wins the T20 World Cup or at least reaches the finals, then there is little possibility of questions being raised on his position.

But on the other hand, opinions regarding Test cricket are not uniform. Some feel that the white-ball strategy matches Gambhir's style, but the Test team may need a coach whose thinking is more tailored to the challenges of the longer format.

Why does the path ahead seem so difficult?

India has 9 matches left in the World Test Championship. The away series against Sri Lanka and New Zealand, and then five tests at home against Australia—the schedule is not expected to be easy. To remain in the race for the finals, it is said that it is necessary to win 7 or 8 of these matches. In such a situation, the question is not just about coaching change; the real challenge is how the team regains its rhythm on the field. If performance improves, the controversies will settle down on their own; otherwise, the discussion may intensify.

What is the conclusion?

In short, Gambhir's chair is safe now, but the trust is not completely unconditional. If the results do not change in the next few months, then BCCI may have to look for new options, and then the discussion will not be limited to any one name.