Gautam Gambhir’s coaching job under threat, was never BCCI’s first choice

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Gautam Gambhir to lose his coaching job?
Gambhir’s controversial appointment as India head coach

Gautam Gambhir’s tenure as the head coach of the Indian cricket team is facing significant scrutiny as the team grapples with a series of disappointing performances. With the Champions Trophy set to take place in February-March 2025, the pressure is mounting for Gambhir to deliver results, particularly following a challenging tour of Australia.

Gautam Gambhir to lose his coaching job?

India’s performance in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy has raised alarms within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). A senior BCCI official indicated that if there is no improvement in performance during the upcoming Test match against Australia at the SCG and the Champions Trophy, Gambhir’s position could be at risk. “There is a Test match to be played and then there is Champions Trophy. If the performance doesn’t improve, even Gautam Gambhir’s position wouldn’t be safe,” the official was quoted as saying by India Today.

Also READ: AUS vs IND – Gautam Gambhir spills beans on dressing room leaks and Rohit Sharma’s status for the final Test

The Indian team has endured a tough series against Australia, trailing 1-2 and facing criticism for their inconsistent play. Following a heavy defeat in the Boxing Day Test, Gambhir reportedly expressed his frustration with the players, leading to unrest within the dressing room. Reports suggest that players feel divided over Gambhir’s management style and lack of clarity regarding their roles, which contrasts sharply with the clear communication previously provided by former coaches Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid.

Gambhir’s controversial appointment as India head coach

Gambhir’s appointment as head coach was not without controversy. According to the BCCI official, he was never the board’s first choice for the role; that honour belonged to VVS Laxman, head of the National Cricket Academy.

“He was never BCCI’s first choice (it was VVS Laxman) and some of the well-known overseas names didn’t want to coach all three formats, so he was a compromise. Obviously, some other compulsions were also there,” the official added.