Jason Gillespie, the former Australian fast bowler and ex-Pakistan coach, has firmly dismissed suggestions that he should replace Gautam Gambhir as the coach of the Indian Test team. This comes amid scrutiny of Gambhir's performance and India's recent struggles in the red-ball format.

Gillespie's curt response came on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, after a user urged him to consider taking over the Indian coaching role. The user lamented India's recent form, stating that the team was "not just losing but getting whitewashed at home twice" and that they "need you seriously". Gillespie's reply was a simple, "No thanks".

Gillespie's experience includes a brief and reportedly turbulent stint as Pakistan's head coach in 2024. He departed the role after just seven months, reportedly feeling "blindsided" and "stripped of all powers" by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Prior to his international coaching role, Gillespie had successful stints in County cricket with Yorkshire and Sussex.

While Gillespie didn't elaborate on his reasons for declining the hypothetical offer, several factors could be at play. India has traditionally favored domestic coaches. The Indian coaching job also carries significant political weight, requiring a delicate balance between cricket strategy and managing expectations within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Gillespie's experience in Pakistan might also make him hesitant to take on another high-profile role in the subcontinent.

Meanwhile, the BCCI has publicly backed Gautam Gambhir as the head coach for the Test team. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia refuted reports that the board had contacted VVS Laxman or other candidates for the coaching position. Saikia labeled these reports as "entirely inaccurate and purely speculative," asserting that the BCCI has "complete trust in Gambhir".

Despite the BCCI's support, Gambhir's tenure has coincided with some disappointing results in Test cricket. Since he took over in 2024, India has won series against Bangladesh in 2024 and West Indies in 2025 but lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25, a home series against New Zealand in 2024, and a series against South Africa in 2025. India was also whitewashed in a three-match Test series against South Africa at home in 2024 and lost 2-0 to New Zealand in another home Test series. India is currently ranked fourth in the ICC Test rankings and sixth in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings for the 2025-2027 cycle.