Gautam Gambhir Manages To Save Himself, Who Can Face BCCI Axing?

Gautam Gambhir to escape BCCI wrath [Source: AFP]

The BCCI is set to organise a review meeting in the wake of Team India’s successive series losses. It is worth noting that the Indian cricket team, under the leadership of new captain Shreyas Iyer, has lost five matches in a row across Ireland and England. 

After succumbing to a shambolic 0-2 series defeat in Ireland, the ‘Men in Blue’ suffered three crushing defeats in a row at the hands of hosts England. The series defeat in Ireland ended India’s three-year unbeaten series streak, while the English tour only compounded India’s woes.

Despite the team’s newfound misery after winning the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, national head coach Gautam Gambhir seems to have retained BCCI’s backing. 

Review meeting about performance, Gautam Gambhir reportedly safe

As reported by PTI, the impending BCCI review meeting will be “strictly about the performance of the team”, especially after India’s successive series defeats in Ireland and England. 

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said, “meeting will be strictly about the performance of the team and how course correction can be done with regards to shortfalls. Nothing else will be discussed.”

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Saikia’s remarks indicate that BCCI has retained its confidence in Gautam Gambhir, and the former Indian opener might well continue to operate as national head coach. 

Gautam Gambhir to attend meeting, Shreyas Iyer’s availability in doubt

The BCCI review meeting will also reportedly be attended by head coach Gautam Gambhir, along with several board members. Chairman of selectors and former Indian all-rounder Ajit Agarkar is also expected to attend the high-profile meeting.

The availability of T20I captain Shreyas Iyer, however, is yet to be determined. The 31-year-old cricketer is already scheduled to fly out to Zimbabwe shortly after the white-ball series in England.

Under the leadership of Iyer, Team India is scheduled to play a three-match T20I series in Zimbabwe in a couple of weeks’ time. 

It is worth noting that several BCCI review meetings have taken place in recent years, especially after India’s shambolic home Test series defeats to New Zealand and South Africa. 

Probable scapegoats for BCCI after India’s series defeats

With Gautam Gambhir seemingly set to continue as head coach, the BCCI will now have to identify other individuals to hold accountable for the team’s poor run.

Regardless of Saikia’s statement, one can assume that several drastic measures will be taken by the board at the meeting. In such a scenario, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak and fielding coach T Dilip could be in the firing line, considering the players' recent performances in their respective departments. 

One can expect certain underperforming players to lose their spots from the Indian team, even though the BCCI has already identified India’s squad for the upcoming T20I series in Zimbabwe and for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.

Newly-appointed vice-captain Tilak Varma might face the axe, considering the 23-year-old middle-order batter has registered just one half-century in his last 15 T20I innings. 

Ace spinner Ravi Bishnoi also took a heavy beating in the second T20I of the series against England, thus putting his place in doubt for future endeavours. 

Barring one good innings in Chester-le-Street, all-rounder Shivam Dube has also not scored his runs at the same volume as expected from him. Moreover, he has also proven expensive and wicketless with the ball in England so far on this tour.

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