BCCI plans major redesign of Team India’s coaching structure as Test struggles continue

After repeated red-ball setbacks, the Indian cricket board is preparing a split-coaching model, with Gautam Gambhir likely to focus on white-ball teams and VVS Laxman set to take charge of Tests.

A strong wave of change is sweeping through Team India, and this time, it is happening quietly behind the scenes. Following disappointing Test series losses against New Zealand and South Africa, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is preparing for a significant restructuring of the national team’s coaching setup.

Gautam Gambhir, the current head coach of Team India, remains under contract until the 2027 ODI World Cup. However, sources indicate that the board is no longer fully satisfied with his performance in red-ball cricket. While Gambhir has delivered results in limited-overs formats, his tenure as Test coach has raised serious concerns.

Under Gambhir’s leadership, India has tasted success only in Test series against Bangladesh and the West Indies. Beyond those wins, the red-ball record has been disappointing, a whitewash against New Zealand, a Border-Gavaskar Trophy defeat, a drawn series against England, and a series loss in South Africa. These outcomes have forced the BCCI to reassess its long-term Test strategy.

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Despite the growing dissatisfaction, the board is not keen on removing Gambhir abruptly due to his ongoing contract. Instead, a phased and strategic transition is being planned. According to BCCI sources, Gambhir is expected to continue overseeing the ODI and T20 teams, including the upcoming T20 World Cup and the 2027 ODI World Cup.

For the Test side, the board is considering former India great VVS Laxman as the ideal candidate. A proven Test specialist with 134 matches and 16 years of experience in the longest format, Laxman is seen as someone who deeply understands the demands of red-ball cricket, especially overseas conditions.

The plan is to gradually hand over the Test team’s responsibilities to Laxman before the current World Test Championship cycle concludes next year. The board believes his calm approach, tactical depth, and technical understanding make him better suited to rebuild India’s Test fortunes.

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Another major concern for the BCCI is Gambhir’s aggressive coaching philosophy. While aggression has worked well in white-ball cricket, the same approach has not translated effectively in Tests. The board feels that constant aggression in red-ball cricket has cost the team more than it has benefited them.

Additionally, managing all three formats throughout the year has become increasingly challenging. With Team India playing non-stop cricket, the BCCI now believes that a split-coaching model, similar to split captaincy, is the most practical solution.

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