The BCCI is expected to review Team India’s performances on the recent tours of Ireland, England and Zimbabwe early next month, with the roles of a few members of head coach Gautam Gambhir’s support staff also likely to be discussed.
According to Cricbuzz, the review meeting is expected to take place in August, although the exact date is yet to be confirmed. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has stated that the board will evaluate India’s recent performances and deliberate on measures to improve results after a disappointing run in white-ball cricket.
India’s poor run began in Ireland, where they suffered a 2-0 defeat in the two-match T20I series—their first-ever bilateral T20I series loss to the hosts. The struggles continued in England, with Shubman Gill’s side losing the T20I series 4-0 before conceding the ODI series 2-1.
The disappointing results marked a significant decline for a team that had lifted the T20 World Cup just a few months earlier, prompting the BCCI to admit that the performances had not met expectations.
Earlier, Saikia had said the BCCI planned to review the team’s recent “bad phase” following the England tour and identify areas that needed improvement. At the same time, he stressed that the board was not looking to make any hasty or reactionary decisions.
India’s ongoing Zimbabwe tour will also be included in the assessment. The team has enjoyed a much stronger campaign under VVS Laxman, who is serving as interim head coach while Gautam Gambhir and the regular support staff are on a short break.
BCCI Reviews Futures of Gambhir’s Support Staff
The review meeting could also lead to changes within Gautam Gambhir‘s support staff. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate’s initial contract has come to an end, and he has reportedly expressed his wish to step away from the role for personal reasons.
With his family based in London, the demanding travel schedule associated with the Indian team has made it increasingly difficult for him to continue. Fielding coach T Dilip’s future is also under the spotlight after India’s below-par catching and fielding performances during the UK tour.
Although the BCCI has extended his tenure in the past, the recent lapses have once again raised questions over his position. Meanwhile, bowling coach Morne Morkel’s contract is another issue that could be discussed, though there are currently no strong indications that his role is under immediate threat.
Gambhir, however, is not believed to be under any pressure, with his contract set to run until the 2027 ODI World Cup. The meeting is expected to focus on analysing India’s recent dip in performances, identifying areas for improvement, and evaluating the composition of the support staff ahead of the next phase of the international season.
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