BCCI Shuts Down Gautam Gambhir Exit Rumours: ‘140 Crore Cricket Experts’ Reply
Board secretary Devajit Saikia laughs off speculation, insists decisions rest with cricket committee amid India’s recent setbacks.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has strongly refuted rumours surrounding head coach Gautam Gambhir’s possible sacking, with secretary Devajit Saikia delivering a witty and pointed response. In a recent interaction, Saikia remarked that “India has 140 crore people, and everyone thinks they’re a cricket expert,” highlighting the barrage of opinions from fans, pundits, and social media amid the team’s inconsistent results. He made it clear that while public commentary is welcome, actual coaching and selection decisions are handled exclusively by the BCCI’s qualified cricket advisory committee and selectors.
The chatter gained momentum after India’s disappointing run under Gambhir, who assumed the role in mid-2024. The side endured back-to-back home Test series whitewashes against New Zealand and South Africa, followed by a shock ODI series defeat to a second-string New Zealand team. These outcomes have prompted calls from some ex-players and analysts for a change in leadership, especially with the T20 World Cup approaching.
Despite the criticism, Saikia confirmed there are no plans to remove Gambhir at this stage. The board views his tenure as part of a rebuilding phase, particularly in limited-overs cricket where India has shown promise in T20Is. Previous statements from BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla had already dismissed similar reports as “completely baseless and speculative,” reaffirming continued support for Gambhir through his contract term.
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Former India batsman Manoj Tiwary added perspective, stating that a failure to defend the T20 World Cup title—set to begin February 7, 2026, on home soil—might force the BCCI into a “major and tough call” regarding the coach. Tiwary acknowledged the board’s current backing but noted the tournament’s high stakes could shift the narrative quickly.
With the T20 World Cup on the horizon under captain Suryakumar Yadav, performance in the coming months will likely determine the noise level around Gambhir. A successful campaign would reinforce his position, while any stumble could revive the debate. For the moment, the BCCI appears focused on stability rather than upheaval.
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