BCCI Test Coach / BCCI Initiates Search for New Test Coach Amidst Team India's Poor Performance; VVS Laxman Declines Interest

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly commenced an informal search for a new Test coach for the Indian cricket team, while this development comes in the wake of a series of disappointing performances by Team India in the longest format of the game, prompting the board to consider a significant change in its coaching structure. The move underscores the BCCI's growing concerns over the team's inability to consistently. Perform at the highest level in Test cricket, both at home and away.

India's Recent Test Struggles

Team India has endured a challenging period in Test cricket recently, marked by several significant losses. The team suffered a humiliating 0-2 series defeat at home against South Africa, a rare occurrence in their own conditions. During this series, India's spin bowlers, usually formidable on home soil, failed to make a substantial impact, allowing South African batsmen to play resolutely and secure a historic victory. Plus, the team was subjected to a clean sweep in a three-match Test series against New Zealand, further highlighting their vulnerabilities in the format. These consecutive failures have raised serious questions about the team's strategy, preparation, and overall performance in Test matches, pushing the BCCI to re-evaluate its approach.

VVS Laxman Approached for the Role

According to a report from PTI, a top official within the cricket board informally approached former Indian batting stalwart VVS Laxman to ascertain his interest in becoming the Test team's coach. Laxman, a highly respected figure in Indian cricket with prior coaching experience, was considered a potential candidate given his deep understanding of the game and his association with the National Cricket Academy (NCA). This informal inquiry indicates the BCCI's proactive stance in addressing the Test team's slump and its willingness to explore various options to bring about a positive change in fortunes.

Laxman Expresses Disinterest

Review of Current Coach's Contract Possible

Despite the informal approach, VVS Laxman has not yet shown any interest in taking on the role of Test coach. He's reportedly content with his current position as the head of cricket at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. In his role at the NCA, Laxman plays a crucial part in nurturing young talent and shaping the future of Indian cricket. It appears that Laxman prefers to continue his work at the grassroots level and isn't inclined to take on the demanding responsibilities and extensive travel associated with being a full-time Test coach for the national team. His decision presents a challenge for the BCCI, which will now have to broaden its search for suitable candidates. The current coach of the Indian team has a contract that extends until the One Day International (ODI) World Cup in 2027. However, the consistent poor performance in Test cricket could lead to a reconsideration of this contract. The BCCI is reportedly concerned about the team's declining standards in the Test format, and if the downward trend continues, a change in the coaching staff for Tests can't be ruled out. This suggests that the board is committed to maintaining high performance standards across all formats and is prepared to make tough decisions if a particular format consistently underperforms.

T20 World Cup 2026 Performance to be Crucial

PTI's report also indicates that the future course of action will heavily. Depend on how the Indian team performs in the T20 World Cup 2026. If the Indian team manages to retain the T20 World Cup title or even reaches the final, the BCCI might reconsider its stance and potentially allow the current coaching setup to continue across all formats. This highlights the board's pragmatic approach, where success in one major tournament could influence decisions regarding the coaching staff across different formats, showcasing a flexible strategy based on results.

Player Insecurity and Shubman Gill's Situation

It's believed that several players are feeling insecure under the current coaching regime, a stark contrast to Rahul Dravid's tenure where roles were clearly defined, and players were given ample time to prove their utility, while under the current setup, some players are reportedly facing uncertainty regarding their positions in the team. For instance, Shubman Gill was recently brought back into the T20 team as vice-captain but subsequently failed to perform well. As a result, he was dropped from the T20 World Cup 2026 squad. This rapid inclusion and subsequent exclusion of players like Gill is reportedly. Creating apprehension among other team members, potentially affecting their confidence and mental state.

Upcoming Schedule and Future Coaching Decisions

Team India is scheduled to play two Test matches against Sri Lanka in the upcoming ICC World Test Championship. Following this, they will tour New Zealand in October, and then the Australian team is set to visit India for a five-match Test series in January-February 2027. After these crucial series and the Indian Premier League (IPL), the BCCI will have ample time to deliberate on whether to appoint separate coaches for different formats or to continue with a single coach for all three. However, the initial conversation with VVS Laxman clearly signals that the BCCI has already begun its search for a new Test coach, underscoring its determination to improve the team's performance in Test cricket.