BCCI Reaches Out to VVS Laxman for India’s Test Team Coaching Role

The recent speculation surrounding India's Test team coaching setup has once again put the spotlight on Gautam Gambhir's tenure as head coach. Following the disappointing 0-2 home series loss to South Africa in November 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly made an informal approach to VVS Laxman, inquiring about his willingness to take charge of the red-ball format. Laxman, who currently heads the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, politely declined, stating his preference to continue focusing on grassroots development, youth mentoring, and long-term player pathways rather than stepping into the high-pressure senior team role.

Gautam Gambhir's appointment as all-format coach in mid-2024 came with high expectations, especially after his successful stints with IPL franchises and his reputation as a tough-minded leader. In limited-overs cricket, he has delivered impressive results, leading India to titles in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and Asia Cup, showcasing sharp tactical acumen and team motivation. However, the picture in Test cricket has been far less convincing, with the team registering as many as 10 defeats against SENA nations (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) during his time at the helm. The recent South Africa series, which included a narrow 30-run loss in Kolkata and a crushing 408-run defeat in Guwahati, exposed glaring issues in strategy, selection, and execution on home soil.

The informal outreach to Laxman underscores a growing internal debate within the BCCI about whether the current all-format coaching model remains sustainable. Several leading cricket boards around the world have successfully separated red-ball and white-ball coaching responsibilities to allow specialized focus on each format's unique demands. While Gambhir enjoys significant backing from key BCCI figures due to his white-ball achievements and strong personality, the mounting pressure from repeated Test setbacks has led to whispers about potential role adjustments or even a split coaching structure in the near future.

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Despite the challenges, Gambhir's contract remains secure until the conclusion of the 2027 ODI World Cup, providing him with a reasonable window to turn things around in the longest format. The upcoming T20 World Cup, set to begin shortly, is widely seen as a critical checkpoint for his overall performance as coach. A strong showing in the shortest format could further solidify his position, while any additional disappointments might accelerate discussions about structural changes. With limited high-profile alternatives willing to take on the test coaching role, the BCCI appears to be balancing loyalty, results, and long-term planning in its decision-making process.

This situation highlights the delicate balancing act the Indian cricket board must perform in the modern era, where expectations are sky-high across all formats and public scrutiny is relentless. The informal approach to Laxman may not lead to immediate change, but it signals that the BCCI is actively exploring options to strengthen India's Test cricket fortunes amid the ongoing World Test Championship cycle. As the team prepares for future assignments, the coming months will likely determine whether Gambhir can silence critics in the red-ball arena or if the board opts for a fresh approach to restore India's dominance in the traditional format.

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