BCCI VP Rajeev Shukla Ends All Rumours On Gautam Gambhir’s Test Coach Role

The BCCI has firmly denied reports linking Gautam Gambhir’s exit as India’s Test head coach, backing him despite recent home series setbacks.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has put an end to speculation surrounding Gautam Gambhir’s future as India’s Test head coach, stating clearly that there is no plan to remove him from the role. The clarification came after multiple reports claimed the board was considering a coaching change following India’s disappointing home Test whitewash against South Africa, with VVS Laxman reportedly seen as a potential replacement.

Gambhir, who took over as India’s head coach in July 2024 after Rahul Dravid’s tenure ended, has come under scrutiny due to mixed results in the longest format. India recently suffered a home Test series whitewash against South Africa, their first home series loss to the Proteas since 2000. This setback came after a 0-3 home defeat against New Zealand last year, marking consecutive home series losses.

The results sparked rumours that the BCCI was unhappy with India’s Test direction under Gambhir, especially after the team failed to qualify for the World Test Championship final for the first time since the tournament began. Addressing the speculation, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla categorically denied any move to replace the head coach.

Rajeev Shukla Clears All Air On Gambhir’s Role

“I want to make it very clear regarding the speculation circulating in the media about head coach Gautam Gambhir. The BCCI secretary (Devajit Saikia) has also made it very clear that there is no plan to remove Gambhir or bring in a new head coach for India,” Shukla told as quoted by News18.

Earlier, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia had also dismissed the reports, calling them speculative and baseless. He stressed that the board had not taken any steps to alter the current coaching structure and urged fans and media not to believe unverified claims.

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Despite recent red-ball struggles, Gambhir’s tenure has seen strong success in white-ball cricket. Under his guidance, India won the 2025 Champions Trophy and the Asia Cup. Overall, India have won seven of the 19 Tests played since his appointment, including home series victories against Bangladesh and the West Indies, along with a drawn five-Test series in England.

However, losses against New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, particularly on home soil, have raised concerns about India’s Test performances. Gambhir himself acknowledged the pressure after the South Africa series, stating that decisions regarding his future rested with the BCCI.