If Gambhir steps down, who will be India next head coach? 3 names to know

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If Gambhir steps down, who will be India's next head coach? 3 names to know: The recent Test defeat has put head coach Gautam Gambhir's position in a difficult position, as pressure mounts after a second consecutive home series clean sweep. India's recent decline in red-ball cricket has now become a serious concern.

Crushing defeat in Guwahati: Biggest defeat on record

South Africa's recent 408-run thrashing in Guwahati not only confirmed a 0-2 defeat, but also marked India's biggest ever defeat by runs. This is India's fifth home Test defeat in the last seven matches, a worrying statistic in contrast to the team's impeccable home record.

Performance Review during Gambhir's tenure

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Under Gambhir's coaching, the Indian Test team's performance has consistently been under scrutiny:

• First defeat against New Zealand: This was the first series in Gambhir's tenure in which India did not win a single match.
• Disappointment abroad: The team lost 1-3 in Australia.
• Struggles of a young team: A young team salvaged a 2-2 draw in England, but serious questions are being raised about the team's consistency and selection.

Gambhir may have said that "Indian cricket is bigger than any individual," but the changes in the Test team, along with Repeated declines in team performance, poor selection, and disappointing results at home, are no longer acceptable.

Also Read: Gautam Gambhir press conference after the defeat against South Africa

3 possible options for Team India's head coach position

If the BCCI removes Gautam Gambhir from the post of India's head coach, the following are three potential and strong options to replace him:

3. Mahela Jayawardene

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Sri Lankan batting legend Mahela Jayawardene has had a stellar coaching career, making him a strong outside contender.

• IPL Success: His biggest achievement is leading the Mumbai Indians to three IPL titles in 2017, 2019, and 2020. His success with MI makes him a very good candidate.

2. Anil Kumble

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If the BCCI chooses Anil Kumble as India's head coach in place of Gautam Gambhir, it would be a surprising choice. His previous tenure from 2016 to 2017 is considered one of the most successful coaching tenures in Indian cricket:

• Record: Under Kumble, India played 17 Tests, winning 12, losing just one, and drawing four.
• Win Percentage: His impressive win rate of 70.6% is the best for any Indian coach who has coached more than 15 matches.

1. VVS Laxman: The 'natural' candidate for the home team

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Former Indian player VVS Laxman is the most obvious choice among the potential contenders for the head coach position.

• Current Role: 51-year-old VVS Laxman is currently the head of the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (NCA) and has been actively involved in player development.
• Backup Coach>: He has served as India's backup head coach several times, including the 2022 (Ireland T20Is, Asia Cup, New Zealand white-ball series) and 2023 Asian Games, and the 2024 T20Is in Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Also Read: Top 5 biggest defeats by runs for India in Test Cricket

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