Rumour mills were churning out several permutations and combinations after India’s shoddy show in red-ball cricket, particularly regarding the road ahead for a team in transition and the future of Gautam Gambhir as coach in the traditional format of the game. However, breakthrough information has now emerged.

Indian cricket head coach Gautam Gambhir will apparently retain his position despite India’s 0-2 Test series defeat to South Africa, according to an NDTV report quoting BCCI sources. Notably, speculation about Gambhir’s replacement, including VVS Laxman, had surfaced after consecutive home Test losses. However, the BCCI seems to have affirmed support for Gambhir as he rebuilds the team, with a management-selectors meeting planned after the South Africa white-ball series.

"We are not considering replacing Gautam Gambhir at this time. He is in the process of rebuilding the team, and his contract extends until the 2027 World Cup," BCCI sources are reported to have told NDTV.

"A meeting between the team management and selectors is scheduled at the end of the South Africa tour. Gambhir will be consulted on strategies to improve the Test team’s performance during this transitional phase," the sources stated.

Meanwhile, Gambhir, in a post-match press conference yesterday, had stated that the BCCI should decide his future following the Test series whitewash in South Africa, while also highlighting the successes achieved during his tenure.

Gambhir made the remarks after India suffered a humiliating 408-run defeat in the second Test in Guwahati against the Proteas, sealing a 2-0 sweep for the visiting team.

However, the latest reports seem to be in favour of the Indian team head coach, suggesting he is likely to have a long run at the helm despite all the scepticism surrounding his stewardship in red-ball cricket. (With inputs from Agencies)