(Source X)
Gautam Gambhir took the reins as the new head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team on June 9, succeeding Rahul Dravid as his contract concluded. Following his appointment, Gambhir expressed his preference for specific members on his support staff. He recommended Abhishek Nayar, a former Indian all-rounder, for the batting coach role, and proposed either R Vinay Kumar or Lakshmipathy Balaji, former Indian pacers, for the bowling coach position.
While Gambhir succeeded in securing Nayar’s inclusion, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) did not approve the other candidates in the initial discussions. Reports indicated that BCCI declined Gambhir’s suggestions for Ryan ten Doeschate as fielding coach and Morne Morkel as bowling coach as well.
The decision not to accept all of Gambhir’s choices reflects a departure from past practices where head coaches were typically granted autonomy in selecting their support staff. Previous coaches like Greg Chappell, Gary Kirsten, Anil Kumble, Ravi Shastri, and Rahul Dravid had been allowed to assemble their preferred teams. However, the current stance from BCCI, as reported by the Economic Times, suggests a shift in this approach, signaling that while Gambhir was chosen as head coach, ultimate decision-making authority remains with the board.
Gambhir to make his debut as a Head Coach in Sri Lanka
Gautam Gambhir is poised to begin his stint as India’s head coach later this month, coinciding with India’s upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. The Indian team, known as the Men in Blue, is gearing up to take on their Asian counterparts in a series comprising three T20Is and three ODIs. The T20I matches are slated to be held at Pallekele on July 27, 28, and 30, while the ODIs will follow in Colombo on August 2, 4, and 7. This series marks Gambhir’s debut as the head coach, bringing anticipation and excitement for Indian cricket fans.
