Reports Claim Gautam Gambhir Could Be Removed as Head Coach if India Lose Test Series Against England
orangeevaGautam Gambhir’s record as a head coach in Test cricket has been underwhelming. The Indian Cricket Team’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, faced significant criticism after India lost the opening Test against England despite an outstanding batting performance. Ben Stokes and his teammates secured a five-wicket victory as the Indian bowlers struggled to defend a challenging target of 371 runs.
In the Headingley Test, four Indian batsmen scored five centuries collectively, but their efforts were ultimately in vain as England’s dominant batting lineup outplayed India. The Stokes-led side now leads the five-match series 1-0. Both teams are gearing up for the second Test, scheduled to begin on July 2 at Edgbaston, Birmingham.
It’s worth noting that Gautam Gambhir is approaching one year as India’s head coach. He was appointed in July last year, shortly after India’s triumph in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, taking over from Rahul Dravid.
Will Gautam Gambhir Be Removed if India Loses to England?
Gautam Gambhir’s record as India’s head coach in Test cricket has been underwhelming so far, with the team managing just three wins in 11 matches. Last year, India suffered a 3-0 home series whitewash against New Zealand, followed by a 3-1 defeat to Australia in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT).
Following India’s disappointing performance in the BGT 2024-25, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) dismissed several members of the support staff. Speculation also arose regarding Gambhir’s future as head coach; however, a BCCI official has clarified that he will not be sacked even if India loses the upcoming Test series against England.
“At present, Gambhir is doing a commendable job with a young and transitioning team. During such phases, it is common not to achieve immediate results. Even established teams like Australia and England have faced challenges during their transitions. Therefore, it would be premature to make any decisions about Gambhir’s tenure,” the official told InsideSport.
“We still have four Test matches to play in England, and we remain hopeful of turning things around. Beyond that, the situation will be assessed. The board places full trust in him,” he added.
Gautam Gambhir was appointed head coach after his successful stint as mentor of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), where the franchise won the title under his guidance. His current contract as head coach runs through to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027, scheduled to take place in South Africa and Zimbabwe in October-November 2027.
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