India, Dec. 28 -- Almost a month after the humiliating 0-2 whitewash against South Africa, India's second home whitewash in the last 12 months, a media report claimed that the BCCI had "informally approached" former India batter VVS Laxman to take over as the head coach of the red-ball team. However, a senior BCCI official rubbished the speculation on Sunday, firmly reiterating the board's backing of Gautam Gambhir.

Laxman has long been on the BCCI's radar for the head coach's role. When Rahul Dravid's tenure was coming to an end last year, and with Gambhir emerging as the sole strong contender, the former India No.3 was reportedly sounded out. However, as mentioned in the PTI report, Laxman declined the offer, maintaining that he was co...