India’s patchy form across formats has cast a long shadow over the buildup to the 2026 T20 World Cup. After a string of underwhelming performances in ODIs and Test cricket — including a historic home ODI series defeat to New Zealand and a 0-2 drubbing at home against South Africa in Tests — attention has turned to head coach Gautam Gambhir, who now finds himself at a career-defining crossroads.
While India have looked sharper in T20Is under Gambhir’s leadership, especially in the most recent T20 World Cup warmup series against New Zealand, the real test awaits in the global tournament beginning February 7, where the hosts are expected to defend their title on home soil. But with fan frustration mounting and a heavy weight of expectations, Gambhir’s honeymoon period could come to a swift end.
Speaking in an interview with InsideSport, former India batter Manoj Tiwary made it clear that failure in the upcoming World Cup should prompt serious action from the BCCI.
“If Gautam Gambhir fails to win the T20 World Cup 2026, then the BCCI should take a big and difficult decision. The BCCI secretary has said that we will pursue with Gambhir till his contract expires. But if the T20 World Cup 2026 doesn’t give a result to Gambhir, I think the BCCI will take a big call and will remove him,” Tiwary said.
Laxman proposed as successor if Gambhir is replaced
Tiwary didn’t just criticize — he offered a roadmap. Arguing for a process-driven transition, he floated the name of a seasoned and respected alternative: VVS Laxman. Laxman, who often stepped in when Rahul Dravid was unavailable, holds a solid track record and is currently involved with the National Cricket Academy.
“It has to be a process-driven thing. When Rahul Dravid was India’s coach and if he used to miss any series, the natural choice was VVS Laxman. Laxman, being the head coach, has always had a good winning percentage. In my opinion, the BCCI should convince him because he is a level-headed guy and he is a very good human being as well. He has the coaching experience as well,” Tiwary said.
Laxman’s name has emerged before in coaching discussions, but with Gambhir under pressure to deliver, this suggestion now carries greater weight, especially from a former player like Tiwary who has been openly critical of the BCCI’s recent leadership decisions.
Criticism of Rohit Sharma’s ODI removal resurfaces
Tiwary’s concerns go beyond coaching. He also revisited the controversial move to remove Rohit Sharma as ODI captain last year, replacing him with the younger Shubman Gill. The timing of the leadership shift, according to Tiwary, disrupted the team’s momentum and may have contributed to the recent failures.
“What was the need to remove Rohit Sharma from the captaincy? I’m pretty sure that if Rohit were leading even today in the ODIs, it would have been a different result (New Zealand series) altogether. Because when he won the Champions Trophy, I think the team was going forward in the right direction,” he told InsideSport earlier this month.
The comment reflects growing dissatisfaction in cricket circles about both on-field outcomes and behind-the-scenes decision-making. India’s loss to a weakened New Zealand side in a three-match ODI series — their first home series defeat to the Kiwis in over 30 years — added fuel to the fire.
A defining tournament for Gambhir’s tenure
Despite a largely successful start in T20Is — including bilateral series wins and an aggressive style of play — Gambhir’s record in Tests and ODIs has left much to be desired. The World Cup offers both an opportunity and a reckoning. The BCCI has so far backed Gambhir to complete his tenure, but as Tiwary suggests, that support may not survive a failed campaign.
For now, the pressure is squarely on Gambhir and his team to deliver when it matters most. Anything short of a deep run in the T20 World Cup could open the door to sweeping changes — and as Tiwary’s comments show, the discussion has already begun.
