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VVS Laxman breaks silence on replacing Gautam Gambhir… His clear message fuels fresh debate over Team India’s coaching future
Despite leading India to a convincing series win in Zimbabwe, VVS Laxman has made his position clear on the national coaching role as the BCCI reshapes Team India’s support staff.
VVS Laxman has firmly dismissed speculation linking him to the role of India’s full-time head coach, but his latest remarks have once again reignited discussions about the future of Team India’s coaching setup.
The former India batter recently stepped in as interim head coach during India’s T20I tour of Zimbabwe, guiding a young squad to a dominant 3-0 series victory. The composed performances of the team immediately attracted attention, particularly because they came after a difficult period in which India endured a winless run during tours of Ireland and England under Gautam Gambhir‘s tenure.
While comparisons quickly surfaced among fans and cricket experts, Laxman was quick to end any speculation about taking over the national team on a permanent basis.
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The cricket legend reiterated that his primary commitment remains with the BCCI Centre of Excellence, where he continues to play a crucial role in developing India’s next generation of cricketers. According to Laxman, nurturing young talent and strengthening the domestic pipeline remains his biggest responsibility, leaving little room to consider the demanding role of India’s full-time head coach.
His comments may have ruled him out of the race, but they have not stopped conversations surrounding Gautam Gambhir and India’s recent performances.
Since assuming the head coach’s role, Gambhir has faced increased scrutiny following inconsistent results across overseas assignments. Although cricket experts have repeatedly urged patience, the contrasting outcomes between Zimbabwe and the previous tours have naturally invited comparisons.
However, those close to Indian cricket believe it would be unfair to judge the coaching setup solely on a few bilateral series, especially considering the transition period the team is currently undergoing with several young players establishing themselves at the international level.
Meanwhile, significant changes are also taking place behind the scenes.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly decided to part ways with assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate and fielding coach T Dilip, marking another phase in the restructuring of India’s support staff.
As part of the changes, Subhadeep Ghosh is expected to join the national team as the new fielding coach ahead of India’s upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. The move signals the board’s intention to refresh the coaching group while continuing preparations for an important stretch of international cricket.
For now, Gautam Gambhir remains firmly in charge of the senior national side, while VVS Laxman continues to focus on shaping India’s future stars at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.
Although Laxman has distanced himself from the head coach conversation, his successful stint as interim coach has only strengthened his reputation as one of Indian cricket’s most respected mentors.
As India prepares for another busy international season, all eyes will remain on how Gambhir and his revamped support staff guide the team through the challenges ahead.
