BCCI sounded out Laxman after SA loss

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had informally approached former India batter VVS Laxman to explore the possibility of replacing Gautam Gambhir as head coach of the Indian men’s Test team following the recent home series whitewash against South Africa, but Laxman declined the offer, according to reports.

Gambhir, who took over as head coach earlier this year, has come under scrutiny after India suffered a 0–2 defeat against South Africa at home last month. It marked India’s second home Test series whitewash in the past 12 months, both occurring during Gambhir’s tenure. The losses have triggered internal discussions within the BCCI about the future leadership of the red-ball team.

Amid speculation, Gambhir had defended his position by highlighting his success in limited-overs cricket, pointing to India’s Champions Trophy and Asia Cup triumphs under his coaching. The BCCI has publicly backed him, assuring continuity until the completion of his contract, which runs through the 2027 ODI World Cup. However, deliberations reportedly continue behind the scenes regarding his suitability as Test coach.

In this context, Laxman was once again sounded out to gauge his interest in taking charge of the red-ball side. This marked the second such approach, with the first having taken place last year when Rahul Dravid’s term was nearing its end and Gambhir eventually emerged as the leading candidate. On both occasions, Laxman chose to turn down the opportunity, expressing his preference to continue in his current role as Head of Cricket at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

Despite Gambhir enjoying strong backing within influential circles of Indian cricket, his position in the Test format remains a topic of discussion, especially with the T20 World Cup approaching. India currently sit sixth in the 2025–27 World Test Championship standings, with nine Tests still remaining in the cycle.

While Gambhir’s continuation across formats appears secure if India perform strongly in upcoming limited-overs tournaments, the long-term structure of India’s coaching setup, particularly in red-ball cricket, could be reassessed. With Laxman not inclined to take up the role, the lack of clear alternatives in the Test coaching space remains a key factor influencing the board’s decision-making.