Gautam Gambhir to be sacked after T20 World Cup? BCCI finally breaks silence
Gautam Gambhir’s stint as India head coach has been anything but ordinary. Since taking charge, the Indian cricket team has lived through a series of unprecedented moments, some historic, others deeply uncomfortable.
Under Gambhir, India suffered a shocking home Test whitewash against New Zealand, recorded their lowest-ever home Test score of 46, endured their biggest Test defeat by a margin of 408 runs, and lost an ODI series to Sri Lanka for the first time in 27 years. Each setback only fueled criticism, with sections of fans and former players questioning whether Gambhir was the right man for the job.
At the same time, it hasn’t all been doom and gloom. India also made history under Gambhir’s leadership by lifting the Asia Cup and the Champions Trophy, achievements that highlighted the team’s potential and added balance to an otherwise turbulent phase.
Still, defeats often speak louder than trophies. After every loss, calls for Gambhir’s removal grew louder. Some critics even suggested appointing a different coach specifically for the Test format. Reports also began circulating that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) would review Gambhir’s future after the 2026 T20 World Cup.
The BCCI, however, has firmly dismissed those claims.
In an interview with Sportstar, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia made it clear that speculation around Gambhir’s position is just that, speculation. Addressing the criticism, Saikia said people are free to express their opinions, but decision-making lies with the board’s established structures.
“In this country of 1.4 billion people, everyone considers themselves a cricket expert,” Saikia said. “Everyone will have their own opinions. This is a democratic country, where no one can be silenced. Everyone, including the media, is free to express their opinions. From former cricketers to social media, there is speculation everywhere.”
He added that the BCCI has a clear process in place when it comes to major decisions. “The truth is that the board has a dedicated cricket committee, which includes former cricketers. They are the ones who take the decisions. For selection, we have five selectors who are eligible for it. Any final decision is taken by these committees and selectors only,” Saikia explained.
Despite the board’s strong backing, the debate around Gambhir’s future continues. Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary recently weighed in, stating that if India fails to win the 2026 T20 World Cup, the BCCI should be prepared to take the tough call of removing the coach.
The stakes will only rise from here. The 2027 T20 World Cup, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, begins on February 7 and will feature 20 teams divided into four groups of five. With major tournaments lined up and expectations sky-high, Gambhir’s tenure is set to remain under intense scrutiny, whether the board likes it or not.