Virat Kohli’s fiery on-field relationship with Gautam Gambhir did not obstruct the former opener’s appointment as India’s new head coach. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) bypassed consulting Kohli, a modern-day cricket great, before making Gambhir’s appointment public.
The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), comprising Ashok Malhotra, Jatin Paranjape, and Sulakshana Naik, unanimously recommended Gambhir for the role. Alongside WV Raman, Gambhir was one of the only candidates interviewed for the head coach position. On Tuesday, the BCCI announced Gambhir would replace Rahul Dravid and take charge from the upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka.
Virat Kohli-Gautam Gambhir saga
At 42, Gambhir is India’s youngest head coach. Unlike his predecessor Dravid, Gambhir retired from all forms of cricket just five years ago, with his last Test match under Virat Kohli‘s captaincy in 2016.
Although their on-field relationship has been rocky, with notable IPL clashes, recent interactions have shown signs of improvement. Despite this, the BCCI opted not to consult Kohli, focusing on the future and the influx of young talent.
Focus on future
A BCCI official told Hindustan Times, “There is enough time for the two to have conversations over the table. But it was important for the BCCI to look at the big picture with many youngsters likely to feature in the coming years.”
This decision highlights the board’s forward-looking approach, prioritising team dynamics and the integration of emerging players.
Rohit Sharma dynamic with Gautam wGambhir
Rohit Sharma’s rapport with Dravid was a cornerstone of recent successes, culminating in a T20 World Cup victory. India captain had expressed a desire for Dravid to continue, but the former head coach wished to spend more time with his family. Both Rohit and Kohli are expected to miss Gambhir’s debut series, opting for a longer break before returning for the home Test series against Bangladesh.
Hardik Pandya leadership role
In contrast, Hardik Pandya was kept informed about Gambhir’s appointment. The all-rounder, who bounced back from a challenging start to 2024, is poised to become India’s full-time T20I captain.
Previously, Pandya led the T20I side from late 2022 to the end of 2023 but was never officially named captain. With Rohit taking over before the T20 World Cup, Pandya served as vice-captain and played a crucial role in the team’s successful campaign.
Whats ahead for Gauti and ICT?
As Gambhir steps into his new role, managing the dynamics with senior players like Kohli and Sharma will be crucial. His appointment signals a new era for Indian cricket, focusing on integrating youth and maintaining the team’s competitive edge on the global stage.
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