Gautam Gambhir’s tenure as India’s head coach has reportedly come under fresh scrutiny, with a report claiming that some senior players have privately expressed concerns over his coaching style following a difficult run in Test cricket.
According to a report, a section of senior India players has informally shared reservations with former cricketers and members of the BCCI. The report also claims that Gambhir no longer enjoys the same level of support within the board as he did when he took charge in 2025.
Reported concerns within the dressing room
The reported concerns come after a challenging period for India’s Test side. Since Gambhir’s appointment, India have suffered a 3-0 home series defeat to New Zealand, lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in a decade, drawn 2-2 in England after surrendering winning positions and, most recently, lost 2-0 at home to South Africa.
The report claims that some senior players have privately voiced reservations about Gambhir’s coaching style. It also states that these concerns were conveyed informally to former India cricketers and members of the BCCI rather than through any official channel.
Questions over accountability
According to the report, some BCCI officials are also dissatisfied with the way defeats have been handled. It claims there is a perception within sections of the board that responsibility has frequently been attributed to players, the Centre of Excellence (CoE) or members of the support staff, while the team management has rarely accepted accountability for tactical or selection decisions.
The report further adds that some officials believe Gambhir has not fully justified the significant influence he has enjoyed over the team setup, including the appointment of his preferred support staff and a greater role in decision-making.
Why the Sri Lanka tour matters
Despite the reported dissatisfaction, Gambhir is not believed to be under any immediate threat. His contract runs until the 2027 ODI World Cup, making a change in leadership unlikely unless results decline further.
That places added significance on India’s upcoming two-Test tour of Sri Lanka. With India already under pressure in the current World Test Championship cycle, the series could prove important not only for the team’s campaign but also for the perception of Gambhir’s tenure.
Neither the BCCI nor Gambhir has publicly responded to the claims made in the report, and the alleged concerns from players remain unverified. For now, the report adds another layer to the scrutiny surrounding India’s recent Test performances, with the spotlight set to remain firmly on the head coach.
