Former England spinner Monty Panesar has said that Gautam Gambhir should consider coaching a Ranji Trophy team to better understand red-ball cricket. Panesar believes Gambhir has done well as a white-ball coach but feels experience in domestic first-class cricket would help him learn how to build and manage a Test team. He suggested that Gambhir should speak with coaches who have worked in the Ranji Trophy to gain deeper insight into the longer format.
Panesar’s comments come after reports that the BCCI approached VVS Laxman about possibly taking over as India’s Test head coach. India’s recent Test series loss to South Africa has increased criticism of Gambhir’s tenure, with the team struggling in red-ball cricket.
Panesar said India is currently weak in Tests, and rebuilding will take time, especially after the retirement of senior players. He added that keeping the remaining players ready for the longest format is a major challenge.
Under Gambhir’s tenure, India has faced major struggles in Test cricket, including a 3–0 series loss to New Zealand and a 2–0 whitewash against South Africa.
BCCI Dismisses Reports of VVS Laxman Replacing Gautam Gambhir as India’s Test Coach
The BCCI has clearly denied reports that VVS Laxman is set to replace Gautam Gambhir as India’s head coach for Test cricket. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the claims were completely incorrect and baseless, adding that the board has not taken any steps to change the current leadership for the longest format. He stressed that the reports were purely speculative and had no truth to them.
The rumors surfaced after India suffered a 0–2 Test whitewash at home against South Africa under Gambhir, following a 0–3 home series loss to New Zealand the previous year. Those defeats ended India’s long unbeaten run in home Test series and also hurt their chances of reaching the World Test Championship final.
For now, the BCCI has made it clear that Gambhir continues as head coach, and there is no move to bring in VVS Laxman for the Test role.
FAQs
Q. Why did Gautam Gambhir leave the BJP?
A. Gautam Gambhir did not leave the BJP due to electoral reasons. He requested BJP president JP Nadda to relieve him of political duties because he wanted to focus on his cricket commitments.
Q. Is VVS Laxman the coach of India?
A. VVS Laxman serves as an interim coach for specific tours or series and is the Head of the National Cricket Academy.
Q. Was Gautam Gambhir adopted?
A. Yes. Gautam Gambhir was adopted by his maternal grandparents 18 days after his birth.
Get the Latest Cricket Updates at The100Sports.News. Also, Follow Our Social Media for live updates on Facebook and Instagram.
