India’s cricket team coach, Gautam Gambhir, and the head of the selection committee, Ajit Agarkar, spoke to reporters together before the team left for Sri Lanka to play a series of one-day and Twenty20 matches. At the press conference in Mumbai, Agarkar and Gambhir talked about some important issues in Indian cricket, such as why Hardik Pandya was not chosen to be the captain for the T20 matches, and instead, Suryakumar Yadav was given the leadership position. They also discussed why Ravindra Jadeja was not selected for the one-day series and what the future holds for Shubman Gill as a player and leader in all three formats of the game.
Here are the big takeaways from Gambhir, Agarkar’s press conference:
What the future holds for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma?
Gautam Gambhir didn’t completely dismiss the idea of choosing the experienced pair for the next ODI World Cup in 2027. However, he made it clear that they could be picked if they maintain their fitness.
“I believe they’ve demonstrated their capabilities in major events, whether it was the T20 World Cup or the 50 over World Cup. I think both of them still have a lot of cricket ahead of them, and especially with the Champions Trophy and a significant tour in Australia, they should be highly motivated. Hopefully, they can stay fit until the 2027 World Cup. This is a very personal decision. I can’t predict how much more cricket they have in them.”
“Ultimately it’s up to them as well. It’s up to the players how much 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 and they’re still world-class players and obviously any team would want to have both of them for as long as possible,” Gambhir said.
What is Suryakumar Yadav’s future in oneday and T 20?
Ajit Agarkar, the main person in charge of choosing the team, said that because Hardik was having trouble staying fit, it allowed Suryakumar Yadav to become the captain for T20 matches. However, Suryakumar is not currently part of India’s team for one-day games. With Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer coming back, the competition for spots in the one-day team has become even tougher for Suryakumar.
Why is Jadeja not included in the team for the Srilanka tour?
The Indian team has a busy schedule of tests ahead, and the selection committee decided to give Ravindra Jadeja a rest instead of picking him for the one-day international series against Sri Lanka. Agarkar made it clear that Jadeja, who is both a spin bowler and a batter, was not removed from the team.
“We should have made this clear when we announced the team. He wasn’t removed (just rested). There are many test series coming up, and he will play in many of them,” Agarkar explained.
Why has Shubhman Gill appointed as Vice captain?
The top batter has been named as Team India’s deputy leader in one-day and Twenty20 matches. This major choice is part of the BCCI’s strategy for his future. Agarkar said that Gill plays in all three types of cricket games and the selectors aim to provide him with plenty of chances to learn and improve his leadership abilities.
“We believe Shubman Gill can play in all three formats. He’s shown many good qualities in the past year, according to what we hear from the team. He’s also shown some good leadership skills. We want to give him the chance to gain experience,” Agarkar explained.
When will Mohammad Shami return?
The experienced fast bowler hasn’t played for India since the end of the One Day International World Cup last year. Agarkar mentioned that Shami has started practicing again in the training sessions and might be ready for the Test matches against Bangladesh.
“He has begun bowling again. The first Test is on September 19th. That has always been the plan (for him to return by then). Whether he will be able to join the team by then (for the Bangladesh series), I need to talk with the people at the National Cricket Academy,” he said.
