"That is why Laxman's name will come forward" - Former India cricketer's massive remark on Gautam Gambhir after IND vs SA 2025 1st Test

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has reckoned that head coach Gautam Gambhir must be feeling the heat following the team’s loss to South Africa by 30 runs in the first Test. He pointed out that nobody would digest India’s losses in home conditions.

The 44-year-old added that several big names, including VVS Laxman, might come forward as the next head coach. Notably, Laxman worked as a backup coach during Rahul Dravid's tenure as the head coach. He’s currently the head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

Kaif said on his YouTube channel:

“Of course, the pressure is increasing. There is no doubt about it. In previous eras, if you went to Australia, your loss was confirmed, and nobody would feel bad. You lost in Australia or England; it was bound to happen. But loss in India is not acceptable because it’s your fort." "South Africa breached the fortress, and New Zealand came and produced a whitewash. So, this is increasing pressure, and that is why Laxman’s name will come forward, and other names as well who are near coaching [among contenders],” he added.

Notably, India failed to chase down 124 against the Proteas in Kolkata. This was their fourth loss in six home Tests under Gautam Gambhir’s coaching, including a 0-3 whitewash by New Zealand last year.

“There is a grey area” – Mohammad Kaif wants transparency in the appointment of Indian coaches ft. Gautam Gambhir

Mohammad Kaif further slammed the BCCI for a lack of transparency while hiring coaches for the Indian cricket team. While citing the examples of Abhishek Nayar and Sitansu Kotak under Gautam Gambhir’s era, the cricketer-turned-commentator claimed that experienced players get rejected for the role. He said in the same video:

“There are a lot of options in coaching. The main problem is that they ask for applications, and the best option will be called for an interview. We will ask questions and give that role. But a lot of the time, coaches are hired without interviews. In that case, the players who have played 50-60 Tests think there is no certainty. What if we apply and it gets rejected? It’s like humiliation. I am trying to provide service by leaving my work. So, there is a grey area. Everyone knows that.” “The deserving guy doesn’t necessarily get hired. When Gambhir became coach, he brought guys like Sitansu Kotak and Abhishek Nayar. The BCCI allows that. I think there is a need for transparency. Those who have played match-winning in front of one lakh crowd should be backed instead of those who played 3-4 matches and were part of the squad… When Sitansu Kotak joined, there was no interview,” Kaif concluded.

Sitansu Kotak (current batting coach) has not played international cricket, while Abhishek Nayar played only three ODIs for the Men in Blue. The BCCI removed Nayar as assistant coach following India’s 1-3 loss to Australia in the 2024/25 BGT. The latter has been appointed as the head coach of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of IPL 2026.

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Edited by James Kuanal