‘BCCI May Axe Gambhir if India Fails to Defend T20 World Cup’

Former India batter Manoj Tiwary has suggested that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) may have to take the tough decision of removing head coach Gautam Gambhir if India fails to defend its T20 World Cup title on home soil.

Under Gambhir, India remains unbeaten in bilateral T20 series, but the team’s recent struggles in Tests and ODIs have increased the pressure on the former opening batter. Since taking over as head coach in July 2024, India has lost two home Test series against New Zealand and South Africa and was recently defeated by a weakened New Zealand side in a three-match ODI series.

Tiwary, who has been critical of Gambhir’s coaching methods, said the T20 World Cup, starting February 7, is crucial for the coach’s future. “If India doesn’t win the T20 World Cup, then I think the BCCI should take a big and difficult decision regarding Gautam Gambhir,” Tiwary told InsideSport.

India, placed in Group A, will begin their title defence against the USA at Wankhede Stadium on February 7, with Pakistan, Namibia, and the Netherlands also in their group.

BCCI Should Consider VVS Laxman as Gambhir’s Successor

Tiwary also suggested that former India batter VVS Laxman would be the ideal candidate to replace Gambhir if the BCCI decides to make a change. Laxman has prior experience accompanying the senior men’s team on tours whenever former coach Rahul Dravid was unavailable.

“I think it has to be a process-driven thing. When Rahul Dravid didn’t go on certain tours, VVS Laxman used to go, so he was the natural choice,” Tiwary said.

He added, “The BCCI should look to convince Laxman because he is level-headed, a good human being, and has coaching experience. He would be the ideal man to take the reins from Gambhir.”