Sat Nov 09 05:07:24 UTC 2024: ## Gambhir on the Brink: India’s Coach Faces Make-or-Break Test in Australia

**New Delhi:** Gautam Gambhir’s tenure as India’s head coach is hanging by a thread, facing intense scrutiny after a string of disappointing performances. The former opener, who arrived on the back of a successful Kolkata Knight Riders campaign, has struggled since taking the helm. A humiliating 0-3 Test series defeat at home to New Zealand, coupled with an ODI series loss in Sri Lanka, has raised serious questions about his coaching abilities.

The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia is being billed as a make-or-break series for Gambhir. Reports suggest that the BCCI is considering replacing him as the Test coach if the team fails to perform in Australia. While they intend to keep him in charge of the white-ball formats, a poor showing Down Under could mark the end of his red-ball coaching journey.

Sources indicate that the BCCI may turn to a specialist like VVS Laxman if India falters against Australia, handing him the Test coaching reins while Gambhir focuses on ODIs and T20Is. The BCCI will have a tough call to make, especially if the series proves to be a closely contested affair.

The pressure is mounting on Gambhir following a recent six-hour meeting with the BCCI selection committee chief Ajit Agarkar and India’s captain Rohit Sharma. The disastrous New Zealand series was dissected, with sources revealing disagreements between Gambhir and the team’s think-tank regarding team selection, a factor that could further hamper India’s chances in Australia.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy will be a defining moment for Gambhir’s coaching career. A strong performance will likely secure his position, while failure could see him relegated to the sidelines, leaving him to focus on the shorter formats of the game.

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