According to a PTI report, the BCCI initially wanted VVS Laxman, the former Indian cricketer and current head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA), to replace Rahul Dravid as Team India’s head coach.

After winning the 2024 T20 World Cup, India has faced a rough patch, including losing the ODI series in Sri Lanka and a shocking Test series loss to New Zealand at home after 12 years. They are also trailing 1-2 in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, with a risk of missing the WTC 2025 Final if they lose the final Test in Sydney.

Gautam Gambhir, who took over as head coach after Rahul Dravid, is under pressure due to these disappointing results. Reports suggest Gambhir wasn’t BCCI’s first choice for the role. The board also approached several well-known foreign coaches, but they declined to coach in all three formats. Ultimately, Gambhir was appointed as a fallback option.

A BCCI official revealed that Gambhir’s selection was influenced by multiple factors, and he was never the top pick. The BCCI is now closely watching the team’s performance in the Sydney Test and the Champions Trophy 2025. Gambhir's role as head coach may be in jeopardy if the team's performance does not improve.

It’s also reported that Gambhir’s relationship with some players is strained, and his communication style has been criticized. Comparisons have been made to former coaches like Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid, who were known for building strong bonds with the team.