New Delhi: After losing the 0-2 Test series at home versus South Africa, the discussion on throne mentor Gautam Gambhir intensified. For two subsequent years, India has suffered a wipe sweep on home soil. The 0-3 defeat versus New Zealand last year, and now such a result versus South Africa, has led to some reports ultimatum that the team management may reconsider Gambhir's role.
What raised the issue regarding the name of VVS Laxman?
It was said in many media reports that the workbench has talked to VVS Laxman regarding the coaching of the Test team. It was personal in the reports that Laxman can be made the Test mentor in place of Gambhir, and Gambhir will remain in the limited overs format. Although these reports were not confirmed by any official source, the issue heated up as the news unfurled to circulate.
What did BCCI say well-nigh this news?
BCCI Vice President Rajiv Shukla gave a well-spoken statement on these speculations. Speaking to ANI, he said, "There is no plan regarding throne mentor Gautam Gambhir. The workbench is not considering removing him or bringing in a new coach."
This statement of Shukla unmistakably indicates that Gambhir will protract in his role for the time being. He moreover said that Workbench Secretary Devjit Saikia has once clarified that such news is just rumors.
#WATCH | Delhi: Dismissing reports that the BCCI workbench is considering replacing or appointing a new throne mentor in the Test format in place of Gautam Gambhir, BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla says, "I want to make it very well-spoken regarding the speculation circulating in the media… pic.twitter.com/PKNQYpilP5
— ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2025What is the undercurrent of responsibility for the defeat?
It is natural to be criticized without a wipe sweep in home tests for two subsequent years. India looked wrong-side-up in both batting and bowling departments. Questions were raised regarding selection, strategy, and team composition, but the workbench seems to be in no mood to talk well-nigh steps like removing Gambhir. According to BCCI, the team needs improvement, but the option of reshuffling the coaching staff is not on the table at the moment.
What is expected to happen next?
After the defeat, the team's next test work will be important. It is expected to see a transpiration in the performance of the players and the thinking of the team. The workbench wants Gambhir to protract his work and move towards improving the current squad. That is, there is no major transpiration at the moment, but only the results will decide the path of the future.
