Gautham Gambhir has been appointed as the new Indian coach. He took over from Rahul Dravid after his tenure came to an end after the T20 World Cup. That Gambhir will take over from Dravid was a done deal long before it was officially announced. It seemed like no one was even considered for the role. I did not find any foreigner applying for this position. Perhaps, they felt that it does not matter how prepared they come for the interview, it would still be an Indian who would be given the role. BCCI, probably to save face, asked WV Raman to apply just in case so that the ultimate decision would seem like a fair decision. Nonetheless, Gambhir has finally become the coach after not so much deliberation. Gautham Gambhir the new coach.
His credentials
Gambhir has not coached an international team or even a state team at any level prior to this. Ofcourse, not everyone can become the coach of an international team. If that is the criteria, coaching will be shuffled between a few individuals. Nevertheless, Gambhir has quite a few solid performances as an individual of handling pressure. Let us remember that he was the highest scorer for India in the finals of both 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup. It was a pity that Dhoni took away the player of the match in 2011. It was Gambhir in the company of a young Kohli who not only resurrected a stuttering chase but eventually solidified the chase. He is someone who can be depended on to handle pressure. Not to mention the small matter of IPL trophies under him.
His credentials are solid. Gambhir may finally put an end to the individual worship and put the team above everyone else. This is not a India only trait. It can been seen in various sporting teams. Australia could be an exception and that helps them to win multiple tournaments. Gambhir is likely to insist on group contributions. It may take the form of recognising those performances which had an impact but it wasn’t the sole performance. The innings of Sanjay Bangar at Headingley in 2004 that allowed the likes of Dravid, Tendulkar and Ganguly score massive 100s to help India win the Test.
Gambhir’s relationship with Kohli
Gambhir and Kohli have a relationship that is far my ideal for a team game. Both of them will have to work together for the betterment of its fortune. Kohli is a star cricketer and Gambhir does not take too kindly to star players. As mentioned above, he would probably rate small contributors on the same wavelength as the significant contributors. It is not at all wrong. When Lord Ram built the bridge to Sri Lanka, a small squirrel did its part. In the 2023 IPL, the world witnessed an ugly spat between Gambhir and Kohli. They seemed to have resolved their differences but much may require to be done.
Gambhir said, “What kind of relationship do I share with Virat Kohli, I think it is between two mature individuals. On the field, everyone has got the right to fight for their own team, for their own jersey, and want to come back in a winning dressing room. But, at the moment, I think you are representing India and representing 140 crore Indians and I am sure we are going to be on the same page and try and make India proud.”
Gambhir’s support staff
Gambhir has decided to dispense with all but one of Dravid’s support staff. The fielding coach, Dilip, is likely to stay. He has earned a lot of plaudits for his innovative thinking. Namely, the introduction of fielding medals. It has made the players look forward to winning the medal which will only improve the fielding standard. Apart from him, Abhishek Nayar and Ten Doeschate will join Gambhir as assistant coaches. There are rumours going around that he has asked for Morne Morkel, the former South African fast bowler to be the bowling coach. Until Gambhir and the board confirms, it will remain to be a rumour.
Wrapping up Gautham Gamhir the new coach
All said and done, Gambhir will have an easy outing in Sri Lanka. He will expect the team to sweep the series. His real challenge lies await in November. Away in Australia where we have won two consecutive series. Australia are difficult to be beaten at home. This time around, they would like to set the record straight. How fresh and fit is Gambhir able to keep the players prior to the series, will determine how India will perform. He must also insist of a minimum of 2 practice games before the first Test. All the best Gautham Gambhir.