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Sanjay Bhardwaj, Gautam Gambhir’s childhood coach, believes Gambhir has the potential to guide Navdeep Saini back into the Indian team fold. Gambhir recently took over as India’s head coach following Rahul Dravid’s tenure post the T20 World Cup 2024.
Gambhir’s initial task will be overseeing India’s upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, featuring three T20Is and three ODIs. Known for his direct approach, Gambhir’s leadership marks a new chapter that could entail bold decisions for Indian cricket.
With separate squads anticipated for each format in Sri Lanka and the retirements of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja from T20Is, Gambhir faces the challenge of managing their absence and steering India through this transition.
Sanjay Bhardwaj believes Gautam Gambhir can facilitate Navdeep Saini’s return to India’s squad.
In a conversation with PTI, Sanjay Bhardwaj expressed confidence in Gautam Gambhir’s ability to bring Kuldeep Yadav and Navdeep Saini back into contention for the Indian team. Bhardwaj praised Gambhir’s keen eye for talent and strategic insight.
“He could pick players like Kuldeep Yadav and Navdeep Saini (in the India team setup). They are his product. He also followed his instincts on West Indian all-rounder Sunil Narine (during IPL 2024). His observation and cricketing acumen were always outstanding,” Bharadwaj said.
While Kuldeep Yadav is already a part of India’s primary squad, Navdeep Saini has faced setbacks after being hailed as India’s future pace sensation due to issues with form and fitness.
Kuldeep Yadav played a pivotal role in India’s recent T20 World Cup 2024 triumph, contributing significantly with 10 wickets from five matches at an impressive average of 13.90 and an economy rate of 6.95.
Navdeep Saini has previously played alongside Gautam Gambhir for Delhi in domestic cricket, whereas Kuldeep Yadav was under Gambhir’s captaincy during their time together at KKR in the IPL.
He helped India win two World Cups – Sanjay Bhardwaj on Gautam Gambhir
Sanjay Bhardwaj also praised Gautam Gambhir’s significant impact on Indian cricket, highlighting Gambhir’s penchant for embracing challenges and emerging triumphant.
“With his batting, he won two World Cups for India in 2007 and 2011. As a player, you helped India win two World Cups, then propelled KKR to three IPL titles. You have a habit of taking up challenges and conquering them; be honest in your approach and repay the country’s faith in you,” Gambhir’s childhood coach added.
With Rohit Sharma stepping down from T20Is, Gautam Gambhir and India’s team management face a crucial decision in appointing the next captain for India’s T20I squad. Hardik Pandya, who served as vice-captain during the T20 World Cup 2024, appears a logical choice.
However, recent reports indicate a shift towards considering Suryakumar Yadav for the captaincy. Concerns over Hardik’s recurring injuries and workload management seem to be influencing this decision-making process. Gambhir and the team management are now tasked with making a pivotal choice in selecting the team’s new leader.
