After former cricketer Gautam Gambhir took over as head coach of the Indian team, replacing Rahul Dravid, there were discussions regarding the workings of the new arrangement. Initially, Ashok Malhotra, Jatin Paranjape, and Sulakshana Naik of the BCCI supported this decision.
It is crucial to be clear that there were no reservations about Gambhir’s tactical skill or strategic thinking behind the conversation. After all, he had led the Indian side in runs scored during back-to-back ICC finals in 2007 and 2011, helping to bring about some unforgettable wins. Gambhir also played a crucial mentoring role in the Kolkata Knight Riders’ quest for another victory in the 2024 season of the IPL, having captained the team to two titles in 2012 and 2014.
Most of the worries were over the long-standing rivalry between star batsman Virat Kohli and skipper Gautam Gambhir, who are both known to be fierce and enthusiastic rivals. First, during an IPL 2013 encounter at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, their rivalry became more intense. It was necessary for on-field umpires and KKR players to step in and defuse the situation. There was another noteworthy brawl in Lucknow during the 2023 cash-rich league, where the two engaged in heated post-match argument involving a contentious debate after their aggressive encounters during the play.
The Hindustan Times reports that before Gautam Gambhir’s nomination was made public, Kohli was allegedly left out of the BCCI’s consultation process.
There is plenty opportunity for the two to engage in dialogue around the table. A BCCI official told the Hindustan Times, “But with many young players expected to feature in the coming years, it was important for the BCCI to look at the big picture.”
The story also stated that the BCCI notified all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who is presently in the running for India’s next Twenty20 international captaincy, of Gambhir’s selection.
Also read: Reports: Gautam Gambhir will shortly have a meeting with the selectors
The dynamics between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be interesting to watch, especially in light of Sharma’s expressed desire for Rahul Dravid to continue as head coach. According to reports, Gambhir’s first series as head coach against Sri Lanka may not feature Sharma and Kohli because they have both asked the BCCI for longer breaks.
India’s tour of Sri Lanka begins on July 28 and will include three Twenty20 Internationals and an equal number of One-Day Internationals.
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