The BCCI is preparing to make sweeping changes to the Indian team’s coaching and selection setup following a disappointing Test series against England. While head coach Gautam Gambhir is expected to hold onto his position for now, significant shifts are being lined up within his support staff and the selection committee, according to a report by The Telegraph India’s Indranil Majumdar.
Morkel and ten Doeschate on the chopping block
Bowling coach Morne Morkel and assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate—both appointed by Gambhir—are likely to be shown the door after the India-England series concludes, according to sources. The formal review is expected to be conducted post-series, with decisions potentially coming into effect after the Asia Cup in September. The changes are being planned ahead of India’s next Test assignment at home against the West Indies in October.
BCCI officials are said to be particularly frustrated with Morkel’s performance, especially his failure to develop any notable fast bowling prospects. The selection of Anshul Kamboj, who clocked just 120 km/h with the new ball in the fourth Test, added to concerns. Meanwhile, the continued exclusion of Kuldeep Yadav has emerged as a major flashpoint.
“The coaches always talk of balance but keeping a world-class wrist spinner like Kuldeep Yadav out has had disastrous consequences,” a BCCI source told The Telegraph.
Selection panel under scrutiny
Frustration within the BCCI isn’t limited to coaching. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar and East Zone representative Shiv Sundar Das are also under internal review. Both selectors have been traveling with the team during the series, and several controversial decisions—including Kuldeep’s omission and Abhimanyu Easwaran still not earning a debut—have drawn internal criticism.
The gap between team management and selectors appears to be widening, with communication and strategy alignment now under the microscope.
Gambhir’s future hinges on red-ball revival
Despite a string of poor Test results, Gambhir is expected to remain in charge—at least for now. Since taking over from Rahul Dravid after last year’s T20 World Cup, Gambhir’s Test record has been poor, with just four wins in 13 matches heading into the fifth Test at The Oval. The team suffered a home series whitewash against New Zealand and also lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.
However, the BCCI is reportedly reluctant to make another change at the top while the team is still transitioning. Gambhir’s success in leading India to the Champions Trophy title also works in his favor. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether he can reverse India’s red-ball fortunes and steady the dressing room dynamic.
What’s ahead for Indian cricket?
While no official announcements have been made, a reset is clearly coming. With the Asia Cup approaching and the West Indies series looming, the BCCI appears intent on reshaping the team’s coaching and selection framework—just not the head coach, at least for now.
The spotlight now turns to whether this upcoming revamp can deliver results where it has recently fallen short: in the longest format of the game.
