Serious questions are being raised about Team India’s performance under Gautam Gambhir’s coaching. After a Test series clean sweep against New Zealand and a defeat against South Africa, Manoj Tiwary has warned of tough decisions if the team fails in the T20 World Cup 2026.
Gautam Gambhir’s Tenure Marked by Shocking Results
Gautam Gambhir has experienced outcomes since he took over that not many Indian supporters expected. The whitewash in the Test series against New Zealand on their home soil.
The significant 408-run loss to South Africa have prompted questions about how Gambhir’s guidance has contributed to the Indian cricket team’s tactical strategy, preparation, and leadership. Issues with Gambhir’s International Player Management Skills and Tactical Approach are now being debated based on these results.
Decline in Test Cricket Raises Alarms
Under Gautam Gambhir’s guidance, the Indian Test team’s performance has declined significantly, with a win percentage of only 36%. Under his leadership, New Zealand whitewashed India in a Test series on Indian soil for the first time, which is considered one of the darkest chapters in Indian cricket history.
Besides this, losing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at home after 10 years against Australia and losing bilateral series against teams like Sri Lanka and New Zealand in ODI cricket has become a matter of deep concern for the BCCI.
Manoj Tiwary Issues Strong Warning to BCCI
Manoj Tiwary, the past Indian representative, explained in a recent interview that the BCCI has not yet decided whether or not to retain Gautam Gambhir as coach of Team India until after the T20 World Cup 2026 result is known.
Therefore, if Gautam Gambhir does not produce any type of World Cup win, Manoj Tiwary believes that the Board will need to make a tough decision, to let Gautam go.
He argued that even though the BCCI secretary has spoken about completing the contract, a change in leadership becomes inevitable after failure in major international tournaments, as the team’s reputation is at stake.
VVS Laxman Emerges as Potential Successor
According to Manoj Tiwary; If Gambhir Were to be Removed from the Post Then VVS Laxman would be the Best Fit for This Role.
Gambhir’s replacement should have a calm personality. This Is Critical in Creating Harmony in a Dressing Room Environment. The way Laxman behaves and thinks is very similar to how Rahul Dravid conducts since they both value calmness above all.
Furthermore, his successful tenure as the head of the National Cricket Academy and his impressive win percentage as a head coach make him the most natural contender for the position.
T20 World Cup 2026: The Ultimate Test for Gautam Gambhir
The Indian team’s performance in the T20 format is currently stable and positive. Under Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy, there are high hopes for the team to win the world title on March 9th.
This tournament is not only an opportunity for Team India to reclaim its glory, but it will also determine the direction of Gautam Gambhir’s coaching career. Now, all eyes are on the BCCI’s next move and the results of the upcoming World Cup.
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