"Performance in T20 World Cup will decide the road ahead" - Former batter's huge claim on Gautam Gambhir's future

Former opener Aakash Chopra reckons that India's performance in T20 World Cup 2026 will go a long way in deciding Gautam Gambhir's future as head coach. According to Chopra, there is no point in speculating on his role until then despite his poor record in Test cricket.

Under Gambhir's tenure as coach, India have struggled to beat top teams in Test cricket. They lost the home series against South Africa 2-0 following their batting capitulation on Day 5 in Guwahati. Before that, they drew a five-match series in England 2-2. India, were, however drubbed 3-0 by New Zealand at home last year and also lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under.

In a video on his YouTube channel, Chopra admitted that Gambhir's record as India's head coach in Tests is very poor. He, however, opined that now is not the right time to make any changes in coaching department. Chopra commented:

"Under Gautam Gambhir as coach, India's Test numbers are not good at all. You don't have to shy away from it. We have only won two series' - against Bangladesh and West Indies. We lost to New Zealand, drew in England, lost to Australia and South Africa as well. We have not been able to win against top countries.

"Does that mean you should sack him? India don't play another Test match for 10 months. In between, there is the T20 World Cup. We are the defending champions and our performance in the T20 World Cup will decide the road ahead. Ahead of the tournament, I would not talk about any big changes. And that includes coaching of Gambhir. T20 World Cup will be a huge test," the 48-year-old added.

Set a target of 549, India resumed their second innings on Day 5 in Guwahati at 27-2. They folded up for 140 in 63.5 overs as only Ravindra Jadeja (54) offered some resistance with the willow.

---

"It is up to BCCI to decide" - Gautam Gambhir on whether he is the right man to coach India

Following India's 2-0 series loss to South Africa, questions are again being raised over Gambhir's stint as head coach. At a press conference following the Guwahati Test, the coach was directly asked if he still feels he is the right man for the job. The former India batter replied:

"It is up to BCCI to decide."

He, however, went on to add that India have won a couple of important white-ball tournament as well during his stint as coach. The 44-year-old commented:

"I'm the same guy who got results in England as well, with a young team. And I'm sure you guys will forget very soon because a lot of people keep talking about New Zealand. And I'm the same guy under whom [we] won Champions Trophy and Asia Cup as well."

Gambhir's next assignment as head coach is a three-match ODI series against Proteas starting November 30. This will be followed by a five-match T20I series.