Disputes are often seen on the cricket field between players and coaches. Team India’s current head coach Gautam Gambhir has recently been in the news for his rift with senior players. However, this was not the first time that his name had come into controversy. According to former cricketer Manoj Tiwari, the sourness of his relationship with Gambhir has also affected his career.

There was sourness in IPL

Manoj Tiwari and Gautam Gambhir both played for KKR. Gambhir was the captain of the team and Tiwari believed that despite his performance, he was deliberately kept lower in the batting order. Manoj revealed in the media that after the match at Eden Gardens, Gambhir threatened him and expressed his anger by holding him by the collar. Such a situation arose that the team’s bowling coach Wasim Akram had to intervene and calm the matter. Manoj Tiwari believed that this incident became the reason for the premature end of his KKR career. After this the team released him.

Ranji Trophy controversy

After the KKR controversy, the feud between Gambhir and Tiwari also came to the fore in Ranji Trophy. In the year 2015, there was a competition going on between Delhi and Bengal in Ferozeshah Kotla. Manoj Tiwari was batting at that time. He was wearing a cap and when he came to know that the fast bowler would bowl the next ball, he asked for a helmet from the dugout for protection. This displeased Gambhir and he allegedly abused Tiwari. Seeing the matter escalating, the umpire had to intervene.

impact on career

Due to these controversies, Manoj Tiwari’s career in IPL and Team India came in premature danger. Due to Gambhir’s aggressive nature and anger, coordination in the team deteriorated and opportunities for the young player reduced.

The next ODI series of the Indian cricket team is against New Zealand, the first match of which will be played on 11 January. BCCI announced the ODI team on Saturday, in which captain Shubhman Gill and vice-captain Shreyas Iyer have returned. However, despite scoring a century in the last match, Ruturaj Gaikwad did not get a place, due to which some fans on social media are criticizing Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar and Coach Gautam Gambhir.

Ruturaj Gaikwad had scored 105 runs in the second ODI played against South Africa in Raipur, but he did not bat in the third match of the series. Gaikwad played a brilliant inning of 124 runs against Uttarakhand in the Vijay Hazare Trophy on 31 December, despite being dropped from the ODI team against New Zealand.

What did Ravichandran Ashwin write?

After the announcement of the ODI team against New Zealand, former cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin made a post on X. He posted a photo of Rituraj Gaikwad and hashtagged his name, writing, “No matter how you feel. Get up, get ready, wear pads, go to the field and never give up. It may be difficult to ignore, but such is the competition for a place in the Indian team.”

No matter how you feel.

Get up, dress up, pad up, show up and never give up.

It can be hard to miss but such is the competition for places in the Indian team. #RuturajGaikwad pic.twitter.com/A1taarpMdF

— Ashwin (@ashwinravi99) January 3, 2026

Criticism is being received on social media

One user wrote, “BCCI is doing the same again! Recently dropped Ruturaj Gaikwad from the team despite his ODI century and excellent domestic form, only to make way for the returning players. Continuity? Merit? What is all this?”

BCCI at it again! Dropping Ruturaj Gaikwad after his recent ODI century and stellar domestic form, just to accommodate returning players.

Consistency? Merit? What’s that?

#BCCI #IndianCricket #RuturajGaikwad pic.twitter.com/OfUGhMy9Vf

— Shreya (@shreyagenai) January 3, 2026

Questions are also being raised on the selection of Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar, while many fans are raising questions as to what does the performance and form in the domestic tournament mean? Many fans are angry at Mohammed Shami being ignored, who are asking questions to the selection committee on social media as to why he is being kept out to bring a player like him.

India’s ODI squad against New Zealand

Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer (vice-captain), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal.

With the farewell of the year 2025, Indian cricket has entered the year 2026. This year is going to be no less than a litmus test for Team India. On one hand, India has to enter a mega event like ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, on the other hand, the team has the challenge of saving its reputation in red ball cricket also. Even though this year the focus of the Indian team will be mostly on white ball cricket, but there are some issues which are giving sleepless nights to the team management. Team India will face three big challenges in 2026, which will be necessary to overcome at any cost.

Surya’s form becomes a matter of concern

The start of 2026 has not been easy for T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav. His performance at the end of 2025 was disappointing in terms of statistics. His average in the last 16–17 innings has been around 15. Which is a matter of concern for a captain and match-winning batsman. Just before the T20 World Cup, the captain not being in form like this can become a big threat for the team. Now there is double pressure on Surya – one to score runs and second to justify his captaincy and place in the team.

win in home test

India’s home Test record has been like an impregnable fortress for a long time. However, in recent years, teams like New Zealand and South Africa have made a dent in this fort. In 2026, India has to play many important Test series at home, which will decide the path to the WTC final. Batsmen will be tested on spin-friendly pitches and consistent performance will be expected from young players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill. The transition phase that the team is going through after the senior players makes this challenge more difficult.

Gambhir’s coaching: Success in white ball, questions in red ball

The third and important challenge is regarding the coaching of head coach Gautam Gambhir. During Gambhir’s tenure, India has achieved great success in white ball cricket. The team showed its strength by winning the Champions Trophy and Asia Cup. However, the same edge was not visible in Test cricket. After the defeat in some matches, questions were being raised on Gambhir’s aggressive strategy. Critics believe that the method which is effective in limited overs can upset the balance in Test cricket. 2026 will be a decisive year for Gambhir – where he will have to prove that he is not just a white-ball but an all-format coach.

The whole world has entered 2026 with new hopes and new dreams. The cricket world also celebrated the New Year in its own style. From Virat Kohli to Sakshi Dhoni and Gautam Gambhir have also shared special posts on social media on the occasion of New Year. Know how the cricketers have welcomed the year 2026.

Cricketers celebrated New Year like this

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli shared a picture with his wife Anushka Sharma on social media on December 31. In his caption he wrote that he is going to start the new year with the light of his life. Today she has shared a picture of her in a blue suit, in which Anushka Sharma is also looking very beautiful.

Sakshi Dhoni

Sakshi Dhoni shared a picture with her husband MS Dhoni and daughter Ziva Dhoni. He wished everyone a happy new year. Dhoni and his wife Sakshi were wearing golden colored caps.

Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir, the current head coach of the Indian cricket team, shared a picture with his family on his Instagram account. He wrote in the caption, “Entering the year 2026 holding the hands of my favorite people. Happy New Year to everyone.”

Jasprit Bumrah

Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah also shared a picture with the family. He shared a picture with his wife Sanjana Ganesan, mother Daljit Bumrah and son Angad.

Irfan Pathan

Irfan Pathan wrote, “Last year we were tried and rewarded. This year there are new expectations. Happy New Year to everyone from the Pathan family.

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has completely rejected all the speculations going on about Team India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir. Recently, there were reports in the media that after the poor results in Test cricket, the board is looking for a new coach to replace Gautam Gambhir. VVS Laxman’s name was coming up for this role. Now top BCCI officials have termed these news as completely baseless.

Statement of BCCI Vice President

BCCI Vice President Rajiv Shukla has clearly said that there is no plan to remove Gautam Gambhir or appoint a new coach in his place. He said that there is no truth in the speculations going on in the media. According to Shukla, the board completely stands with Gambhir and at present no change in the coaching setup is being considered.

Earlier, BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia had also rejected these reports. He said that these reports are completely imaginary and the board has not taken any step regarding any change in the coach of the Test team. Saikia bluntly said that these are only rumors and BCCI has nothing to do with it.

Speculations increased after bad test results

Actually, India has recently suffered continuous setbacks in Test cricket. First the 0-3 defeat in the home series against New Zealand and then the 0-2 clean sweep against South Africa had raised questions. Due to these results, it has become difficult for India to reach the World Test Championship final. Meanwhile, the news of change of coach gained momentum.

Now focus on T20 World Cup

However, BCCI’s focus is now more on the upcoming T20 World Cup than Test cricket. In this tournament starting from February, Team India will go to defend its title. This time the command of the team will be in the hands of Suryakumar Yadav and this tournament will be special in many ways, because after a long time India will play T20 World Cup without Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

India has been placed in Group A along with teams like Pakistan, Netherlands, Namibia and America. Better performance will be expected from the young team on home ground. In such a situation, the role of Gautam Gambhir becomes even more important.

Recently, rumors of Gautam Gambhir being removed from the post of head coach of Team India have gained momentum. Due to losing the home Test series against New Zealand, the Indian team could not play the final of the World Test Championship 2025. Even after that, Team India’s poor performance in Tests continues. Due to this, such news gained momentum that very soon Gautam Gambhir may have to lose his job. Now BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla has made everything clear on this subject.

BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla broke his silence

BCCI Vice President Rajiv Shukla has made it clear that Gautam Gambhir will not be removed from the post of head coach. Speaking to news agency ANI, he said, “I want to clarify everything that is being said in the media about head coach Gautam Gambhir. BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia has also clearly said that there is no plan to remove Gautam Gambhir or appoint a new head coach of Team India.”

Devjit Saikia has also given statement

On the expulsion of Gautam Gambhir, BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia had said that this is absolutely false news being spread. Saikia also targeted those media agencies which were exaggerating the rumor of Gambhir’s removal. BCCI Secretary made it clear that there is no truth in the news of Gautam Gambhir’s removal and it is just someone’s fabricated story.

At present, Team India would like to forget the poor performance in Test cricket and move ahead, because a huge challenge is facing them. Team India had won the title of 2024 T20 World Cup, now it faces a big challenge to retain its crown. Let us tell you that India and Sri Lanka are going to host the 2026 T20 World Cup together, which will be played from 7 February to 8 March.

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Ever since Gautam Gambhir became the head coach, Team India’s performance in the Test format has been poor. India played 10 Tests in 2025, in which it won only four matches, lost five and one match was drawn. Recently, South Africa made Team India taste 2-0 defeat in the Test series at its own home. Meanwhile, news came out that Gautam Gambhir’s job is in danger because BCCI has informally talked to VVS Laxman. But BCCI has rejected these rumours.

VVS Laxman has been the target of BCCI for a long time. Before Gautam Gambhir was appointed head coach last year, Laxman was being seen as the first option as coach. But according to PTI, Laxman had rejected the offer of head coach.

Update on Gautam Gambhir’s job

Speaking to news agency ANI, BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia said, “Whatever news is viral is a lie. This news is imaginary. Some renowned news agencies are also exaggerating this false news. There is no truth in it, BCCI completely rejects this news.”

Devjit Saikia further said that people can think whatever they want, but BCCI has not taken any decision regarding the post of coach. He said that this is a fabricated story created by someone and there is no truth in it. Saikia said, “I would not like to say anything other than that this news is completely false.”

The test performance of the Indian team under Gautam Gambhir has not been good. But this year India has won the Champions Trophy and Asia Cup title in white ball format.

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Gautam Gambhir became the head coach of the Indian cricket team in July 2024. Under his coaching, India’s performance in T20 and ODI has been excellent. The team won the Champions Trophy (ODI) title by defeating New Zealand in the final and won the Asia Cup in T20. But the team has been seen struggling in Tests. In the last series, India lost the Test series against South Africa by 0-2 at home. Meanwhile, a report has claimed that a top-ranking person in BCCI had informally asked VVS Laxman about becoming the coach of the Test team.

Under the coaching of Gautam Gambhir, Team India also lost the Test series in Australia, after which India’s dream of playing in the World Test Championship final was shattered. Even in this cycle (2025-27), India’s position is not good, the team has won only 4 out of 9 matches and lost the same number. The team is at number six.

Did Laxman get the offer to become the coach of the Test team?

According to a report, after losing the Test series against South Africa 0-2 in November, a top person in the BCCI had informally asked PSE VVS Laxman whether he would like to become the coach of the Test team.

Former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman is the Head of Cricket of the Center of Excellence based in Bengaluru. According to the news, he wants to continue in this post. Gautam Gambhir has a contract with BCCI till 2027 World Cup. But there is news that this can be considered. A lot will depend on India’s performance in the T20 World Cup 2026.

It has been said in the report that there is currently a discussion in the BCCI that at present Gambhir is the right person to remain the coach of the Test team. Right now, no decision is being taken on whether someone else should be made the coach in the next 9 matches of the World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle or Gambhir should be allowed to continue in this post.

India’s test schedule 2026-27

India will not play red ball cricket till August. Team India will tour Sri Lanka in August, where there will be a 2-match Test series. After this, India will tour New Zealand for a 2-Test series in October-November. In the beginning of 2027, Australia team will come to India for a 5-match test series.

India won the Champions Trophy title in the year 2025 when Gautam Gambhir was the head coach. India defeated New Zealand in the final, captain Rohit Sharma was adjudged player of the match in the final. Under Gambhir’s coaching, India also won the Asia Cup title by defeating Pakistan in the final, although this year was not special in Tests. India lost the Test series against South Africa at home. Here we are telling you about the performance of Team India in all three formats.

test record

This year started with a defeat in Tests, in this match played in Sydney, Australia won by 6 wickets. After this, the command of Team India in Test was handed over to Shubman Gill, with him Gautam Gambhir’s first tour of England took place. This series was good, Gill also batted and India was successful in drawing the series 2-2. On this tour, India won in Birmingham and Oval. The year ended poorly in Tests. South Africa defeated India badly 2-0. In the first test of this series, India had got a target of only 124 to win. But the team collapsed for 93 runs.

• Total matches- 10
• Won- 4
• Loser- 5
• draw-1

ODI record

This year was memorable for Team India in ODIs under the coaching of Gautam Gambhir. The team won the Champions Trophy title under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma. The year started with the home series of matches against England, which Team India won 3-0. After this, India won all the matches in the Champions Trophy also. India got its first defeat from Australia, when India lost by 7 wickets in Perth. By winning the second match also, Australia took an unassailable lead in the 3-match series. The last series of the year was against South Africa, in which India won 3-1.

• Total matches- 14
• Won- 11
• Lose- 3

t20 record

In T20, the year started with a 4-1 win in the 5-match series against England. In this home series, India lost only in Rajkot. After this, Team India played directly in the Asia Cup in this format, where India performed brilliantly. Defeated Pakistan 3 times including the final. Under the coaching of Gautam Gambhir, the team won the Asia Cup title after the Champions Trophy this year. The year also ended with the T20 series, India won the 5-match series against South Africa 3-1.

• Total matches- 21
• Won- 16
• Lose- 3
• Inconclusive- 2

Considering team formats (Test, T20 and ODI) together, the Indian cricket team played a total of 45 international matches in the year 2025. Out of these, 31 matches were won and 11 matches were lost.

On Saturday, December 20, BCCI had announced the Indian squad for T20 World Cup 2026. Shubman Gill’s absence from this squad remains a topic of discussion. On one hand, Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar did not give any clear answer. Captain Suryakumar Yadav said that the reason for Gill’s absence was not his form.

A few hours after the announcement of the Indian squad, Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir was seen at the Delhi airport, where he was asked questions by media reporters about the dropping of Shubman Gill. On this Gambhir left from there without replying.

This video has also become the center of discussion on social media. In which it can be seen that some media reporters asked questions to Gambhir, but he left the garden shaking. Gill’s drop is also shocking because Gill had been the vice-captain of the T20 team for the last few months.

Shubhman Gill was last seen playing in the T20 series against South Africa, where he was able to score only 32 runs in 3 innings. Due to injury, he could not play the fourth and fifth T20 matches. However, according to some reports, Gill wanted to play in Ahmedabad. But the team management had already decided to drop him from the squad.

#WATCH Indian Men’s Cricket Team Head Coach Gautam Gambhir arrives in Delhi

BCCI today announced India’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. pic.twitter.com/RbqVtaixyR

— ANI (@ANI) December 20, 2025

What did Ajit Agarkar say on Gill?

Team India’s Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar said on the dropping of Shubman Gill, “Shubman Gill was the vice-captain, but is no longer in the team. Earlier, Akshar Patel was the vice-captain of the T20 team. Talking about continuity, you have to keep many combinations in mind. If your wicketkeeper will bat in the top order, Jitesh Sharma was also an option. Shubman Gill is an excellent player, it is unfortunate that he is out.”

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