BCCI Dismisses Reports of Gautam Gambhir’s Mid-Term Exit Amid Poor Run

The BCCI had rejected speculation about Gautam Gambhir’s removal, stating that decisions rest with qualified committees despite recent series losses.

The last few months have been difficult for Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir, following a string of disappointing results across formats. India lost an ODI series in Australia before suffering a heavy Test series defeat in South Africa. The poor run continued in January 2025, when the team also lost an ODI series to New Zealand. These back-to-back setbacks, particularly at home, placed Gautam Gambhir and his support staff under intense scrutiny.

Although Gambhir’s tenure is officially scheduled to run until the ODI World Cup in 2027 in Africa, reports recently claimed that the former India batter could be removed before completing his contract. However, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia firmly dismissed such speculation.

Speaking to Sportstar, Saikia said criticism and opinions are natural in a cricket-loving nation but stressed that decisions are taken by qualified individuals within the board.

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“India is a country of 140 crore people, and everybody is a cricket expert. Everybody will have an opinion. It is a democratic country, and we cannot gag anybody. All the opinion makers are free to give their opinions, including the media. There is a lot of speculated news in the domain, and also various ex-cricketers, cricketers, or other people are also giving opinions. In social media, it is full of them,” Saikia said.

‘Counter-Opinions Are Natural’: Saikia

He further explained the decision-making structure within the BCCI. “But the thing is that we have a cricket committee in the BCCI, who are ex-cricketers. They are dedicated and make all the decisions. On the other hand, for team selection, we have five selectors. They also have to qualify to get into that position. They are the people who take that also. For every decision, there can be a counter-opinion.”

Saikia added that while opinions are considered, the final authority rests with official bodies. “So, those opinions we have to address, and we have to consider. But the final decision is always taken by the cricket committee as well as the selectors,” he added.

Gambhir’s stint as head coach began under pressure, starting with an ODI series loss against Sri Lanka, followed by a Test series defeat to New Zealand after several decades, and a heavy series loss in Australia. Reports of internal disagreements within the dressing room further added to concerns around the team environment.

Despite the criticism and growing theories, Saikia made it clear that Gautam Gambhir’s position remains safe for now, with the BCCI continuing to back its appointed processes and personnel.