India’s newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir, alongside chief selector and former fast bowler Ajit Agarkar, held his first formal press conference. They discussed the selection of Suryakumar Yadav as India‘s T20I captain, updates on player fitness, and upcoming tours.
Suryakumar Yadav Leads T20I Team in Sri Lanka
Gambhir’s first major move as head coach was overseeing Suryakumar Yadav’s appointment as T20I captain for the Sri Lanka series, starting July 27. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained the rationale behind choosing Yadav over Hardik Pandya.
“Surya is a deserving candidate. We got feedback from the dressing room. He’s our best T20 player. We wanted a captain likely to play all games. Hardik is always an important player for us. Those skillsets are hard to find. Fitness has been a challenge with him. Hopefully, his performances are more important than anything else. We want someone who is likely to be available more often than not. Saying all that, Surya has got all the necessary qualities to be the captain,” said Agarkar.
Shubman Gill Named Vice-Captain
Shubman Gill has been named the vice-captain of the Indian white-ball team, a position previously held by Hardik Pandya. Agarkar praised Gill’s potential and leadership qualities.
“Shubman Gill is the guy we feel is a three-format player. He has shown a lot more qualities over the last year or so, that’s what we hear from the dressing room. He has shown some decent leadership qualities. We want to try and give him the experience, though there are no guarantees,” Agarkar clarified.
Fitness Focus: Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja
Fitness concerns were a significant topic, particularly regarding Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja. Agarkar and Gambhir emphasized the importance of managing players’ workloads to ensure their availability for crucial matches.
“Hardik Pandya can focus on his fitness better this way,” Agarkar explained. “Someone who has come back after a long time, you need to bring them back in the scheme of things gradually. Hardik’s fitness has been a challenge, and we want a captain who can play all games.”
Ravindra Jadeja was not named in the ODI leg of the Sri Lanka tour, despite Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli being included. Agarkar clarified the decision, highlighting Jadeja’s need for rest before the upcoming Test season.
“It would have been really pointless to take both Axar and Jaddu for a three-match series. He has had a terrific World Cup. Not at all dropped. Either of them wouldn’t have featured in games had we taken him. There’s a big test season coming up. I think probably we should have clarified it when the squad was announced. He is still part of the format. He is a very important player for us,” Agarkar added.
Support Staff Additions
Gautam Gambhir confirmed the addition of Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate to his support staff, with Sairaj Bahutule and Dilip remaining in their roles. Nayar, known for his sharp cricket mind and motivational coaching, and Doeschate, a former Netherlands all-rounder, have previously worked with Gambhir at Kolkata Knight Riders.
“Really happy. The BCCI has agreed to most of the things I have asked for. Abhishek, as assistant coach. And Ryan Ten Doescathe, as an assistant coach. You will get to know the exact support staff after the Sri Lanka series. Abhishek Nayar is there. Sairaj Bahutule is there. Dilip is there. Ryan will join in Colombo,” Gambhir confirmed.
Future Plans and Strategy
Looking ahead, Gambhir discussed his coaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a happy and successful team environment by focusing on winning.
“It’s all about winning. I don’t deviate from something like that. A happy dressing room is a winning dressing room. I don’t like to complicate things. Ultimately, it’s the players’ team. We need to try to keep them happy, that’s one thing that we definitely will be working towards,” Gambhir stated.
Ajit Agarkar also spoke on the future strategy, mentioning the possibility of having different teams for different formats due to the transition period in T20 cricket with the retirement of key players.
“Going forward these things happen. Can’t say right now that there are going to be three different teams. T20 will be in transition with world-class players retiring. The more players that can play all formats the better,” Agarkar added.
Gambhir on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma
Gautam Gambhir addressed the roles of senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who recently retired from T20Is but remain in the ODI squad. He emphasized their ongoing importance to the team and their potential to continue contributing at the highest level.
“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 as well,” Gambhir said. “One thing I can be very clear of is that both those guys have a lot of cricket left in them. More importantly, with the Champions Trophy [in 2025] and a big tour of Australia [in November 2024], obviously they would be motivated enough. And then, hopefully, if they can keep their fitness, the 2027 [ODI] World Cup as well.
“But this is a very personal decision. I can’t say how much cricket is left in them. Ultimately, it’s up to them as well, it’s up to the players. How much can they contribute to the team’s success. Because, ultimately, it’s the team that is important.
“But looking at what Virat and Rohit can deliver, I think they still have a lot of cricket [left to play]. They’re still world-class players and obviously any team would want to have both of them for as long as possible.”
Gambhir on His Relationship with Virat Kohli
Gambhir also addressed speculations about his relationship with Virat Kohli, following a high-profile altercation during IPL 2023. He clarified that they have resolved any differences and are focused on working together for the success of the Indian team.
“Very good for the TRPs (his run-ins with Kohli in the IPL) but my relationship with him is not public. On the field, everyone will fight for their own team. At the moment, we are representing India. I share a very good relationship. I have had lots of chances to talk to him. It is not important what we discuss. The most important thing is we both have to work hard to make India proud. He is a thorough professional, a world-class player, and that is going to continue.”
Shami’s Return a Possibility
Agarkar provided an update on Mohammed Shami’s potential return to the squad, indicating that his recovery is on track.
“He has started to bowl. The first Test is 19th September. That was always the goal (him making a comeback by that time). Whether he can make it back to the squad by that time, I’ll have to speak with the guys at the NCA,” Agarkar said.
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