The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly made an informal approach to VVS Laxman for the role of Test coach, adding fuel to speculation surrounding Gautam Gambhir's future in red-ball cricket. This development comes on the heels of India's disappointing 2-0 Test series defeat against South Africa at home.

According to a PTI report, a senior BCCI official contacted Laxman to gauge his interest in coaching the Test side following India's "abject surrender" against South Africa. The series loss, which included a crushing 408-run defeat in the second Test in Guwahati, India's heaviest defeat by runs at home, has intensified scrutiny of Gambhir's record in the longest format of the game.

While Gambhir's tenure as the head coach has seen success in white-ball cricket, with India winning an ICC trophy and an Asia Cup title, his Test record has raised concerns. Reportedly, India has suffered 10 Test defeats against SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) countries under his leadership. This has led to questions about the team's preparation, selection strategies, and overall direction in Test cricket.

Despite the BCCI's approach, Laxman, who is currently serving as the Head of Cricket at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, is reportedly content with his current role and is not keen on taking over the senior Test team coaching position. Laxman is highly respected for his technical knowledge and calm leadership style, and has been viewed as a potential long-term coaching option for India, especially in Test cricket.

Laxman's reluctance has limited the BCCI's immediate alternatives should they consider a change in the Test coaching setup. Despite growing unease within sections of the board regarding India's Test performance under Gambhir, finding a suitable replacement in the red-ball coaching space remains a challenge.

Gambhir's contract with the BCCI extends until the end of the 2027 ODI World Cup, but there is a possibility it could be reviewed depending on India's performance in the upcoming T20 World Cup. While he has strong support within influential BCCI circles, there is no consensus on whether he should remain in charge of the Test side for the remainder of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle.

According to sources, the BCCI is known for adopting a "wait-and-watch" approach and is expected to make a more informed decision on split coaching or a single head coach across formats after the T20 World Cup and the subsequent IPL window. Concerns have also surfaced regarding uncertainty within the dressing room, with players reportedly feeling less secure compared to the clear roles defined during Rahul Dravid's tenure.

India's upcoming Test schedule includes overseas assignments in Sri Lanka and New Zealand before a high-profile five-Test home series against Australia in early 2027. The team will play two Tests each in Sri Lanka in August 2026, and New Zealand in October 2026, before hosting Australia for five Tests in January-February 2027.

The pressure is mounting on Gambhir to deliver results in the upcoming T20 World Cup, as a failure to reach the final or win the trophy could lead to a reevaluation of his contract. The BCCI may consider a multi-format coach approach, depending on India's performance.