Team India cricketers with coach Gautam Gambhir (PTI Photo)

Former Pakistan coach Jason Gillespie has firmly shut down suggestions that he should replace Gautam Gambhir as India’s head coach. Gillespie gave a blunt reply on social media that he has no interest in the role.Gillespie had a difficult experience in his first international coaching job with a full ICC member nation. He was appointed as Pakistan men’s team coach in 2024 but resigned just seven months later.

His exit came in November 2024, after which Aaqib Javed took over the role. Since then, Gillespie has openly spoken about his time with Pakistan and the reasons behind his resignation.Recently, Gautam Gambhir has been under pressure as India’s Test coach following poor results, including heavy defeats at home to New Zealand and South Africa.A user on X (formerly Twitter) directly asked Gillespie if he would consider coaching India. The user wrote, “Jason you need to coach India now, because they are losing, not just losing but getting white washed at home twice. They need you seriously.”Gillespie did not hesitate in responding. He replied with just two words: “No thanks.” While the former Australian bowler has not elaborated on his answer, Gillespie’s recent experience with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may also have influenced his thinking. After dealing with challenges in Pakistan, he may be cautious about taking on another high-profile role in the subcontinent, especially in an environment he is not fully familiar with.Despite turning down the India role, Gillespie remains highly respected as a red-ball coach. His successful stints with Yorkshire and Sussex in county cricket have kept him in demand.