T20 World Cup to Decide Gambhir's India Coach Fate; Laxman Declined Test Role

• Gautam Gambhir's future as India coach hinges on the T20 World Cup performance, despite a contract until 2027.
• His white-ball coaching record is strong (ICC, ACC trophies), but red-ball performance is weak with 10 Test defeats against SENA countries.
• VVS Laxman was informally approached for the Test coach role after India's South Africa series loss but declined, preferring his Head of Cricket role.
• BCCI sources indicate strong backing for Gambhir, especially if India performs well in the T20 World Cup, but his Test role is uncertain.
• The dressing room reportedly feels insecure under Gambhir, contrasting with Rahul Dravid's era, with Shubman Gill's exclusion cited.

Why It Matters: Gambhir's coaching future, particularly in Tests, depends on T20 World Cup success, with VVS Laxman declining the red-ball role.