BCCI Secretary dismisses reports of Gautam Gambhir’s sacking

Dismissing the speculation doing the rounds in the media about Gautam Gambhir’s future as India’s head coach, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has firmly rubbished the claims. Reports had earlier suggested that the board was unhappy with Gambhir’s performance, particularly in the Test format, following India’s losses in an overseas series against Australia and the clean-sweep suffered at the hands of South Africa and New Zealand.

Fresh speculation in the media suggested that Gautam Gambhir would remain in charge of India’s white-ball teams, while a new face would be appointed to handle the Test side. VVS Laxman, who heads the Centre of Excellence, was reportedly being considered for the role, but the former India cricketer refused to accept the post. Adding further clarity, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has also rejected these claims, categorically denying any such development.

“This is completely wrong and purely speculative. Despite some reputed media outlets carrying the story, there is absolutely no truth in it. The BCCI has taken no such decision and outright rejects these claims. People are free to assume what they want, but this is nothing more than an imagined narrative and is entirely baseless and factually incorrect,” Saikia said, as quoted by Times Now.

Gambhir is expected to continue as the coach of the Indian team for the upcoming assignments against New Zealand, along with preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup. The squad for the three-match ODI series versus the Black Caps is expected to be finalised on or before Sunday, January 4, when the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee meets to make the announcement.

According to reports, wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan could be set for a return to the ODI setup after an absence of more than two years, possibly edging out his former Under-19 teammate Rishabh Pant. Meanwhile, vice-captain Shreyas Iyer is also tipped to make his way back to competitive cricket following a serious injury sustained during the Australia series.