Gautam Gambhir Sack: Former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary feels that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) might make a tough call by sacking current head coach Gautam Gambhir if the team fails to win the T20 World Cup 2026 on home soil.
As of now, the Men in Blue haven’t lost a single bilateral series in the T20 format, but the failures in tests and ODIs are the real challenge. Since the time Gambhir became the head coach in July 2024, India had lost two home test series against New Zealand and South Africa. The thing did not end here; recently India even lost to New Zealand in the three-match ODI series. So, the T20 World Cup 2026 is going to be important for Gambhir’s coaching.
Gautam Gambhir Sack
Manoj Tiwary, who has been a critic of Gambhir and his coaching preparations, stated that if Suryakumar Yadav and his team failed to win the tournament, which is starting on February 7, then it will not be a good signal for the staff.
He said,
“If India doesn’t win the T20 World Cup, then I think that the BCCI should take a big and difficult decision regarding Gautam Gambhir. The BCCI secretary has already stated that Gambhir will continue until his contract expires, and there is no question of removing him.”
Tiwary added,
“But I think the 2026 T20 World Cup—if the result doesn’t come in this, then the BCCI will remove him and take a big call.”
If we talk about India’s schedule, then the first game will be played against the USA on February 7 at the Wankhede Stadium. India is placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Namibia, the Netherlands, and the USA.
After Gautam Gambhir Exit, Who Next?
Tiwary also stated that the BCCI should go with former Indian batter VVS Laxman as the new coach after Gautam Gambhir. Everyone is well aware of Laxman’s coaching, as he had already been with the Indian team when Rahul Dravid was unavailable.
Tiwary said,
“I think it has to be a process-driven thing. When Rahul Dravid was the coach and didn’t go on certain tours, VVS Laxman used to go. So he was the natural choice.”
“I think the BCCI should look to convince Laxman because he is a levelheaded guy, and he’s a good human being. He has the experience of coaching as well, so BCCI should look to convince him.”
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