Gautam Gambhir told to coach a Ranji Trophy team

Former England spinner Monty Panesar has shared his view amid growing speculation that the BCCI wants VVS Laxman to coach the men’s Test team following a second home whitewash in the longest format of the game. He suggested that Gautam Gambhir should spend time coaching in the Ranji Trophy to gain a better understanding of red-ball leadership.

Speaking to ANI, Panesar credited Gambhir for delivering results in white-ball formats, highlighting India’s Champions Trophy win and the T20 Asia Cup success. He went on to suggest that a stint in domestic red-ball cricket could help Gambhir develop the demands required to manage a Test side.

“Gautam Gambhir has done well as a white-ball coach and achieved results. A role in the Ranji Trophy could help him, where he can speak with experienced coaches and understand how to shape a strong red-ball side. At the moment, India’s Test team lacks strength, and that’s the reality. Rebuilding takes time, especially after the retirement of three senior players, which makes it harder to keep the players fully prepared,” the former England cricketer said.

According to a PTI report published last week, the BCCI had made an informal approach to VVS Laxman for India’s Test coaching position following a 0–2 home series loss to South Africa in November. This was not the first approach, as Laxman had earlier been contacted after Rahul Dravid’s exit last year. However, the former India batter declined both offers, preferring to continue as the chief of the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia denied the claims and confirmed that the board has not taken any step towards a change in leadership for Test matches.

Speaking to ANI on Sunday, Saikia firmly dismissed the reports, saying, “The news being circulated is completely wrong and purely speculative. Even though some well-known media outlets are carrying it, there is absolutely no truth to these claims. The BCCI has not taken any action in this regard. People are free to speculate, but this is nothing more than imagination. The reports are factually incorrect and entirely baseless.”