New Delhi: Gautam Gambhir will continue as the Head Coach of Team India across all formats, according to a source within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This decision comes amidst speculation regarding his future, particularly after the team's recent struggles in Test cricket.
"He will remain Head Coach in all three formats, no decision is being considered," the source confirmed on Thursday.
Gambhir's tenure as head coach began in July 2024, succeeding Rahul Dravid after the T20 World Cup. Since then, India has experienced success in white-ball cricket, securing victories in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and the 2025 Asia Cup, where they defeated Pakistan in the final.
However, the team's performance in Test cricket has been a cause for concern. India, once considered formidable at home, has suffered two major setbacks, including a 0-3 defeat against New Zealand last season and a recent 0-2 loss to South Africa. These defeats have impacted India's standing in the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. The team has suffered three Test series losses in the past 16 months under Gambhir. In the recent series against South Africa, the Indian batters averaged just 15.23, the second-lowest average for Team India in any Test series, and failed to score a single century in both Test matches.
Despite these challenges in the Test arena, the BCCI is showing trust in Gambhir, expressing confidence in his ability to rebuild the team. The source indicated that Gambhir's contract extends until the 2027 World Cup.
Gambhir, a former international cricketer and politician, brings a wealth of experience to the role. Before becoming the head coach, he served as a mentor for Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL), leading KKR to their third IPL title in 2024.
While acknowledging the recent setbacks in Test cricket, Gambhir has stated his commitment to the team. When questioned about his position, he emphasized his previous successes, including the Champions Trophy and Asia Cup victories. "It is up to the BCCI to decide. I said it in my first press conference when I took over as the head coach that Indian cricket is important; I am not. And I sit here sticking by the same thing," Gambhir stated.
Looking ahead, a meeting between the team management and selectors is expected at the end of the South Africa tour to discuss strategies for improving the Test team's performance. The focus will be on how to navigate the team's transition while addressing the challenges in the longest format of the game.
