As the Indian cricket team embarks on a new chapter in Test cricket under head coach Gautam Gambhir, the dynamics between him and captain Rohit Sharma will be closely scrutinized. Rohit thrived as a skipper under Rahul Dravid, leading the team to its long-awaited championship victory across formats after 13 years. Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes that the team’s playing XI will offer insights into the current rapport between Gambhir and Rohit.
Manjrekar pointed to the successful relationships in the past, such as Virat Kohli with Ravi Shastri and Rohit with Dravid, emphasizing how crucial the chemistry between a captain and coach can be in shaping a team’s performance. Rohit and Rahul clearly had a strong connection,” he noted. when Kohli was with Shastri the decisions made about the playing XI hinted at the coach influence on the captain. We will begin to see their dynamics reflected in the selections they make, rather than just in the results.
Reflecting on Gambhir coaching style, Manjrekar suggested that the former opener may adapt his approach compared to his public persona as a commentator. I’ve known Gambhir for four years and he has a sharp understanding of the game. He can be analytical and less emotional than people might expect. The success of a coach often hinges on the strength of the team and with Indian cricket in a good place, I’m hopeful for the future. While we see one side of Gambhir on TV, I anticipate he will modify his style in the dressing room,” he concluded.
Bangladesh no “Dress Rehearsal” for Australia, says Rohit
While it’s not a complete overhaul, India upcoming month-long break from international cricket, combined with Rishabh Pant’s return to red-ball action, marks a fresh start as they gear up for the final stretch of the World Test Championship. With Bangladesh and New Zealand on the schedule at home, the focus is on quickly regaining their Test form before a challenging five-match tour of Australia.
It’s tough, specially after not playing Test cricket for eight months. But many of us have been through this before,” said captain Rohit Sharma ahead of Indi home season opener against Bangladesh in Chennai. The team camp in Chennai has been beneficial. We gathered here on the 12th and spent a lot of time on the field, working to get everything in order. Those who haven’t played much Test cricket participated in the Duleep Trophy, which was helpful. In terms of preparation, I believe we’re ready for this match and what to come,” Rohit explained.
India faces a packed schedule over the next three months, starting with a two-Test and three T20I series against Bangladesh, followed by three Tests against New Zealand, wrapping up in early November. This will lead straight into a demanding tour of Australia, where they’ll play five Tests in eight weeks. The stakes are high, as India aims to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and maintain consistency to secure a spot in the World Test Championship final next year.
Sharma emphasized that these home Tests are crucial, dismissing any notion that they serve merely as preparation for the Australian tour. Every game we play is important,” he said at a recent press conference. With the World Test Championship still wide open, we want to win every match. It doesn’t matter where we play nextm our focus is on winning this Test match. One of the key dynamics to watch will be Rohit’collaboration with new head coach Gautam Gambhir and the rest of the support staff.
After a rocky start in Sri Lanka, Gambhir tenure is under the microscope. I know both Gambhir and Abhishek Nayar well,” Rohit noted. I’ve faced (bowling coach) Morne Morkel in tough matches, and I’ve just begun to get to know (assistant coach) Ryan ten Doeschate. From my experience in Sri Lanka, Ryan seems sensible and quickly grasped the team needs.
Every coach has a different style. Rahul (Dravid), Vikram Rathour and Paras Mhambrey had their methods and these new coaches will bring their own. Adjusting to that is key, but so far, there have been no issues. A solid understanding among us is essential. This understanding will be vital and specially in managing player workloads ahead of the Australia tour. Rohit mentioned that they already have strategies to protect key bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
We’ve mapped out how to manage our bowlers,” he said. It depends on their workload during these games. We’ve done well with this before, like when we rested Bumrah and Siraj during the England series. You want your best players available for every match, but with so much cricket, that’s not always possible. We have to consider everything, including the T20 matches against Bangladesh and South Africa during the Test series and find the best way to manage our bowlers.
Virat Kohli Asks Gautam Gambhir About On-Field Altercations
Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir, often seen as both heroes and villains in their respective roles, have come together to address the longstanding speculation about their relationship. The two cricketers have had notable confrontations on the field, particularly during the Indian Premier League (IPL), which has fueled fan debates on social media. as Gambhir now serves as the head coach and Kohli as a player for the Indian team, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided to clarify their dynamic through a unique interview.
In a special video released by the BCCI, Kohli and Gambhir took turns questioning each other, aiming to clear the air around their past disputes. During the conversation, Kohli asked Gambhir about his mindset during on-field altercations, prompting a candid discussion about their experiences. Gambhir response caught and the Kohli off guard, highlighting the playful yet serious nature of their dialogue. This initiative not only seeks to dispel rumors but also underscores their commitment to teamwork as they move forward in the cricketing landscape.
Virat Kohli:When you are batting and you have a bit of a chat with the opposition, did you ever feel like this might carry on to you going out of the zone and potentially getting out, or it put you in a more motivated state?
Gautam Gambhir:You have had more altercations than I have. I think you can answer that question, better than I can.
Virat Kohli (laughing):Main to ye dhund raha hun ki koi meri baat se agree kar jaye. Ye nahi bol raha ki galat hai. Koi to bole haan, yahi hota hai (I am only looking for someone who agrees with what I have to say. Not saying that it is wrong. At least someone should say, yes this is what happens).
Kohli and Gambhir were central to Team India’s success in 2011 ODI World Cup. Now, they work together towards taking the nation to bigger heights in world cricket as player and coach.
