Gautam Gambhir’s First Press Conference as Head Coach of Indian Teams
Finally Gautam Gambhir, the new Head Coach of Indian Cricket Mens team addressed the media for the first time. As everyone was expecting Gautam Gambhir address to the media about the appointment of new captain for the Mens T20 team Suryakumar Yadav. He discussed and answered all the questions to media on 22nd July, in Mumbai. Gautam Gambhir continued is straight forward behavior and opened up about his working style and complete roadmap as a team. He shot down all the rumors of his relationship with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
From July 27 to August 7, India will play three T20 internationals and an equal number of One-Day Internationals (ODIs) in Sri Lanka. During the ODI series, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will play in competitive cricket for the first time since winning the T20 World Cup. Gambhir was frank and very keen when answering a question regarding the trajectory of both series.
It’s never been easy for Gautam Gambhir to be the Head Coach of Indian Cricket Team.
Gautam Gambhir’s views on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s future and fitness-
I think they have shown what they can deliver on the big stage, whether it’s the T20 World Cup or the 50-over World Cup. One thing I can be very clear is that both of those guys have a lot of cricket left in them. And more importantly, the Champions Trophy is coming up and a big tour of Australia, they will be motivated enough. And then hopefully, if they can keep their fitness, the 2027 World Cup is there.
This is a very personal decision. I can’t say how much cricket is left in them. Ultimately, it’s up to them. It’s up to the players (to decide) how much they can contribute to the team’s success. Ultimately, it’s the team that is important. Looking at what Virat and Rohit can deliver, they have a lot of cricket. They are still world-class. Any team would want both of them for as long as possible.
On relationship with Virat Kohli and making India proud together
Yeah, Good for the TRP. It’s between two mature individuals. On the field, everyone has the right to fight for their own teams, for their own jersey, and the feeling of coming back to a winning dressing room. But at the moment, we are representing India, we are representing 140 crore Indians. We have got to be on the same page. I share a very good relationship with him and we will continue to do that. I have had a lot of chats with him.
We shared messages. It’s not important what we discussed, how many chats I have had with him after my announcement or before my announcement, during the games or after the games. Sometimes, just because we want headlines, it’s not important. The most important thing right now is we both should work extremely hard to make India proud. That’s our job. He is a thorough professional, he is a world-class player. I have always said that. I have had huge respect for him as a player. And, it will continue. Hopefully, we can work together really well.
What freedom meant to Gautam Gambhir and how dressing room should be-
Look from my point of view, it’s pretty simple. I believe in giving players the freedom. The relationship shouldn’t be between a head coach and a player. I think it should be built on trust and that is going to be very important. I can promise that the players will always have my backing. A happy dressing room is a winning dressing room, I have always believed in this. It’s my responsibility alongside the entire support staff to make it a happy and secure dressing room. I don’t complicate too many things.
One thing we need to be clear is that I am taking over a very, very successful team — T20 world champion, runner-up in the World Test Championship, and runner-up in the 50-over World Cup. It’s not like it’s not a successful team. I think I have big shoes to fill. But I am excited and looking forward to it.
Relationship with Jay Shah
I have a fabulous relationship with him. Mr Jay Shah and I go a long way back. All these speculations about different things are given on different pages. I think we can do a better job by clarifying those things rather than putting it in the press. We go a long way back. So far, it’s been a great relationship. Hopefully, it continues that way. The betterment of Indian cricket is more important. Gambhir is not important. All of us have hearts in the right place. If we all think that Indian cricket has to move forward, we will be on the same page. So far, I have had a great working relationship with him, hopefully, it will continue in the future as well.
Workload Management and how to use Jasprit Bumrah efficiently-
Workload management for someone like Jasprit Bumrah is important. For batters, if they can play consistently and in good form, they might as well play all the games. And with now Rohit and Virat not playing T20I cricket, they only have two formats to look after. I am sure they are going to be available for most of the games. Yes, for Jasprit Bumrah (workload management), he is one rare kind of a bowler. It’s our responsibility to try and have him fresh for major games. Not just for Bumrah, but for most of the fast bowlers, workload management becomes really important.
COACHING STAFF APPOINTMENTS
This is going to be the crux of the support staff. As I said, we still have one month after the Sri Lanka tour. We will try and finalise after the Sri Lanka tour. But, I have worked with people like Abhishek Nayar, Ryan Ten Doeschate very closely. In the last two months, especially in the IPL, I have enjoyed working with them. They are thorough professionals. Hope Ryan and Abhishek can have a successful stint. Hopefully, we can have a successful tenure as coaches. I am really looking forward to work with the rest of the other guys as well. I have had some really good feedback from the players about the other guys. I am really looking forward to working with them.
Really happy with the BCCI. They have agreed to most of the things I have asked for. I was really surprised when I was reading all the news. Abhishek, as assistant coach, Ryan, as assistant coach. I feel there could be assistant coaches working and focussing on all three departments rather than one specific department. That’s the reason we now have two assistant coaches. That’s the way we will go forward as well. Yes, we will get to know the exact support staff after the Sri Lanka tour.
'I DON'T LIKE TO COMPLICATAE THINGS'- Gautam Gambhir
My experience and learning have been very simple. In spot, it’s all about winning. We don’t deviate from that. We try and play fair and we try and play hard. In sport, there can be only one winner. More importantly, we try and come back to a winning and happy dressing room. A happy dressing room is a winning dressing room. I don’t like to complicate things. That’s the sort of profession that I am in. Ultimately, it’s the players’ team. The support staff is there to try and help the players, try and get the best of them, and maximise their potential. We are there to give them freedom and make them express the way they want to and make them happy. Sometimes, international cricket can be tough. Only 15 can play, but the job of the support staff is to try and keep the players in a happy space. That’s something my team will be working towards, going forward.
