VVS Laxman is not in line to replace Gautam Gambhir as India’s head coach, according to a report by Hindustan Times, despite renewed speculation following India’s successful T20I series victory in Zimbabwe. The former India batter stepped in as interim coach during the tour while Gautam Gambhir and the senior coaching staff took a scheduled break between India’s tours of England and Sri Lanka, before overseeing a 3-0 series win.
Laxman explains interim role
Speaking after the series, Laxman made it clear that his involvement was linked to his responsibilities as Head of the BCCI Centre of Excellence rather than any change to India’s long-term coaching structure.
“The captain, head coach and the support staff were there in England for the ODI series, and now they will be in Sri Lanka for the Test series. This is the break they have, and that’s the reason I came in.”
Laxman also stressed that stepping in during scheduling overlaps has become an established part of his responsibilities at the Centre of Excellence.
“This has been happening for the past four years since I became the head of the COE.”
Zimbabwe success fuels discussion
India’s clean sweep over Zimbabwe ended a difficult run in the format after the side had gone winless across previous assignments in Ireland and England. Under Laxman’s guidance, Shreyas Iyer captained a largely inexperienced squad to victories in all three matches, while several younger players were given opportunities during the tour.
The series also saw debut opportunities for players including Ashok Sharma and Yash Thakur, while Vaibhav Sooryavanshi produced standout performances to finish as Player of the Series.
Laxman’s appointment for the Zimbabwe tour prompted renewed discussion around India’s coaching setup, although his post-match comments reiterated that his role formed part of the Centre of Excellence’s long-standing arrangements during scheduling overlaps.
Focus returns to Centre of Excellence duties
Laxman is expected to resume his responsibilities at the BCCI Centre of Excellence following the Zimbabwe tour before taking charge of India’s squad again for the Asian Games later this year.
Meanwhile, Gambhir remains under contract as India’s head coach through the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, with India’s upcoming Test tour of Sri Lanka representing the next assignment for the senior coaching group.
