‘BCCI won’t say anything to him until…’: Ex-India star gives BLUNT verdict on Gautam Gambhir’s sacking chances
Chopra gives his verdict on Gambhir's sacking chances
India head coach Gautam Gambhir has been the subject of immense scrutiny over the past few months. This is due to the Indian team’s poor performances under the former cricketer who took charge of the team in July 2024.
First, the Men in Blue lost the ODI series against Sri Lanka before suffering a 0-3 whitewash in the Test series against New Zealand at home. To top it all off, the Indian team lost the Border-Gavaskar series by 3-1.
Following these disappointing performances, some media reports came out claiming that Gambhir’s contract may be reviewed after the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
Keeping this in mind, a cricket fan posed an interesting question to former India cricketer Aakash Chopra. “If India doesn’t do well in 2025 Champions Trophy, will Gautam Gambhir be sacked?” the follower asked the ex-India star. Chopra replied that the Champions Trophy may be too early for the BCCI to sack Gambhir.
“This time it’s not normal Champions Trophy. The 2013 Champions Trophy was also not normal because it marked the beginning of a new era. This time, it’s the back-end of a transition. I really hope this Indian team doesn’t happen, because of it doesn’t happen, you will see churning in Indians cricket. Whether Gautam Gambhir will be sacked? Well, I feel one more England tour,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
“I don’t think the BCCI will say anything to him until then. After the England tour, it will be a year since he took over the reins. You were supposed to ensure transition within one year. So how you did there, which players were prepared, and whether the team’s performances have improved, a review may be done for him,” Chopra added.
“However, at least one year at the job is absolutely important to review someone’s performance. You need 12 months. So I feel not the Champions Trophy, but the England tour. That might just be a critical barometer or parameter, based on which Gautam Gambhir’s performance might be reviewed. It won’t be a bad thing. You review the performances of batters and bowlers, so do it for the coach as well,” Chopra further said.
Ahead of the all-important Champions Trophy, the Indian team is set to play a 3-match ODI series against England which will commence from February 6. This will be a good way to practice for the Men in Blue with the ICC tournament right around the corner.