The period where Gautam Gambhir will coach the Indian cricket team is about to begin. Ever since Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary, revealed that the former World Cup-winning player would become the new head coach of the Indian team, excitement has been building. Gambhir is recognized for his ability to lead young players to success, as demonstrated by his achievements with the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. His initial role as the head coach of the Indian team involves a trip to Sri Lanka for T20I and ODI matches.
Many of the experienced players who participated in the T20 World Cup 2024 are likely to be given a break from the ODIs or have already stopped playing T20Is. The team lineup is expected to be strong, with the squad announcement imminent. Before this announcement, Star Sports, the official broadcaster of the World Cup, shared a video from 2023 featuring Gautam Gambhir discussing ODI cricket and offering some insightful comments.
First, you need to find players who are not afraid to take risks, especially in a format like 50 overs. You need a mix of players. You also need players who can stay steady and control the game. The rules have changed a lot. Before, you only had one new ball. Now, you have five new balls and five players inside. So, the job of a part-time player is not as important anymore. You don’t see much reverse swing. You also don’t see much help for the spin bowlers who use their fingers,” Gautam Gambhir said in the video.
“However, when discussing this new strategy, it’s crucial to recognize which players can adjust to these roles or this style without difficulty. Not everyone can adapt to a specific style, so why force them into a way of playing that doesn’t feel natural to them? For me, it’s extremely important to choose the right players and ensure they blend well together, rather than insisting that we must play a certain way and therefore pick all 15 players with the same mindset or approach.”
Gambhir’s first significant challenge will come next year when India competes in the Champions Trophy. The final of the World Test Championship is another event to look forward to. This will be followed by the T20 World Cup in 2026 and the ODI World Cup in 2027.
