With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma disappearing, Gautam Gambhir wants complete control of the Indian team. Support Shubman Gill Test Captain: Report
The Indian cricket team is entering a new stage as both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retire from Test cricket. In addition, head coach Gautam Gambhir is expected to have full control over decision making.
India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has reportedly asked for full control of the team’s operations to the BCCI after Rohit Sharma and Star Batter Virat Kohli retired. According to a report by Dainik Jagran, Gambhir entered the coaching setup to remove the vision of the current superstar culture of Indian cricket. His initial strategy involved the implementation of a 10-point directive that requires all players to participate in domestic cricket where possible and to adhere to specific standards of conduct during their trip. The subsequent phase of his plan focuses on building teams for the future.
Gambhir is said to have played a key role in the transition from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in Test cricket. Two cricket idols quickly announced their retirement just a week before the Indian squad’s upcoming England tour. The decision comes after discussions with Gambhir and selector Ajit Agarkar, who told them that management intends to pursue the young squad.
This is very different from the historical norms as this is the first instance of an elimination from the head coach’s active involvement in Indian cricket’s two most prominent figures. Traditionally, the Indian team is led by a captain, coaches (without their figure) in the backstage and allows star players to lead. Recent examples include Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid, who are closely linked with Captain Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, rarely challenging their authority.
However, Gambier’s approach seems to be different. He reportedly had an equal influence in decision-making, squad choices, and other matters with the captain. With the retirement of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravicandran Ashwin, Gambhir is ready to retake the ins ropes and shape the future of Indian cricket.
“To stop repeating the repetition of the collapse of New Zealand and Australia, Gambier has asked the board to be fully autonomous,” the report added.
The report further suggests that, given his youth and potential, Shubman Gill will be the captain and will likely be instructed. Although he is often seen as a future superstar, he hasn’t reached a stage yet and he can effectively challenge the decisions made by Gautam Gambhir. The only player in the current Indian Test squad who can oppose Gambir’s strategy is the speed spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.
It is important to note that if his health is not a major issue, then Boomla will be a natural choice for testing. During his tenure at Rohit Sharma, Bumrah was appointed deputy captain and even led India to three Test matches in England and Australia. However, due to the critical nature of his role as a fast bowler and the need to carefully manage the workload, it is not feasible to assign a full-time captain to him.
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