The decision by the BCCI selectors to omit star batsman Shubman Gill from the roster for the 2026 T20 World Cup has shocked many cricket fans and experts. Gill, currently serving as India`s Test and ODI captain and previously the T20I vice-captain, was dropped following recent struggles in the shortest format of the game. According to a report by PTI, this move has introduced widespread uncertainty among players regarding their job security under the coaching leadership of Gautam Gambhir.
The report asserts that the choice to drop Gill carried `Gambhir`s footprints written all over it,` sparking significant unease within the squad. Players are now reportedly concerned that if a figure often viewed as the `next poster boy` of Indian cricket could be sidelined, their own positions are equally vulnerable.
The prevailing thought is: “If Indian cricket`s next poster boy could be dumped by the wayside, the next omission could have anyone`s name written on it.”
Gautam Gambhir’s tenure as India`s white-ball coach has been highly successful, marked by securing ICC and ACC trophies in both formats. However, his record in Test cricket is less stellar, including 10 defeats against SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) countries.
Following India’s dismal performance against South Africa in the two-Test home series last month, an influential figure within the cricket board informally reached out to VVS Laxman to check his interest in coaching the red-ball team. It is understood, however, that the legendary batter is content serving as the Head of Cricket at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
While Gambhir’s contract with the BCCI extends until the end of the 2027 ODI World Cup, there is a strong possibility that his future will be reassessed based on India’s performance in the upcoming T20 World Cup, which begins in five weeks.
Sources within the BCCI indicate that debate continues over whether Gambhir is the appropriate person to remain at the helm of the red-ball team for the remaining nine Tests of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle. India has a demanding schedule ahead, including away assignments against Sri Lanka (August 2026) and New Zealand (October 2026), before hosting Australia for a five-Test series (January-February 2027).
A BCCI source, speaking on condition of anonymity, explained that Gambhir currently enjoys strong backing. “Obviously, if India retains the T20 World Cup or at least reaches the final, he would seamlessly continue with his assignment. However, it would be interesting to see if Gambhir continues in Tests too,” the source commented, noting that Gambhir`s position in the Test format is strengthened by the lack of alternate options, especially since VVS Laxman has declined interest in coaching the senior Test side.
