Gautam Gambhir, the recently appointed coach of the Indian cricket team, has set the record straight about his relationship with star batter Virat Kohli, affirming that there are no lingering issues between them. This assurance comes amid their history of heated exchanges during IPL games, episodes that were widely publicized and interpreted as signs of a rift. Gambhir, however, clarified that these on-field confrontations were merely manifestations of competitive spirit, emphasizing that every player aims to return to their dressing room as winners. “I share a good relationship with Virat,” Gambhir stated unambiguously.
When asked about their previous face-offs, Gambhir dismissed them as fodder for television ratings. He stressed the maturity of their relationship, asserting that it is not for public scrutiny but rather a personal equation between two seasoned professionals. “It’s between two mature individuals,” he noted. Gambhir was keen to explain that these past incidents would have no impact on their current dynamic as they strive to represent India on the international stage. “On the field, everyone has got the right to fight for their own jersey and come back to a winning dressing room. At the moment, we’re representing India, representing 140 crore Indians, and I’m sure we’re going to be on the same page and try to make India proud,” he elaborated.
The new coach was specifically asked if he had spoken to Kohli since his appointment. Gambhir confirmed that he had engaged in numerous conversations and text exchanges with the batting maestro. He chose not to divulge the specifics of their discussions, dismissing the need for media-driven headlines. “I’ve had a lot of chats with him. We’ve shared messages. It’s not important what we discussed, how many chats I’ve had with him, after my announcement (as coach) or before my announcement or during the game, after the games. Sometimes, just because we want headlines, it’s not important,” Gambhir explained. What matters most, he stressed, is the shared commitment to bringing glory to India. “Right now, the most important thing is we both are going to be working extremely hard to make India proud. And that’s our job.”
Gambhir also showered praise on Kohli, the cricketer. “He’s a thorough professional, a world-class athlete, and a world-class player. I’ve always said that. I’ve got huge respect for him as a player and it’s going to continue. And hopefully, we can work together really well,” Gambhir remarked.
When questioned about the future of veterans Kohli and Rohit Sharma in Indian cricket, Gambhir deftly avoided setting a timeline, stating that their longevity in the sport would be determined by their own ability to contribute to the team’s success. “I can’t say how much cricket is left in them. Ultimately it’s up to them, how much they can contribute to the team’s success. Ultimately it’s the team that is important. But looking at what Virat and Rohit can deliver, I think they still have a lot (left). They’re still world-class players,” he observed.
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Addressing the topic of workload management, which has recently sparked diverse interpretations, Gambhir was clear that his stance has been misunderstood. While he acknowledged the necessity of managing the workload of bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, he saw no reason why Kohli and Rohit, having retired from T20Is, cannot consistently play in all formats. “Workload management for someone like Bumrah is important. For a batter, if they can play consistently and if they are in good form, might as well play all the games,” Gambhir explained. “With Rohit and Virat now not playing T20 cricket, they only have two formats to look after. So they are going to be available for most of the games. For Bumrah, because he is one rare kind of a bowler who anyone would want, so it’s our responsibility to try and have him fresh for most of the important games. So workload management for not just Bumrah but fast bowlers becomes very very important.”
Gambhir, who has enjoyed success as a mentor for teams like Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders, enunciated his coaching philosophy, which is centered around creating a harmonious and secure environment for the players. “Look, from my point of view, it is pretty simple. It’s important to give players the freedom. I think that’s what I absolutely believe in and not in having a relationship of a head coach and a player. For me, the best relationship is a relationship which is built on trust and that is going to be very important. The most important thing for me is that they will always have my back. And I’ve always said that a happy dressing room is a winning dressing room and a happy and secure dressing room,” he articulated.
“So that’s my responsibility alongside the entire support staff to make it a happy and secure dressing room. And that’s about it. I don’t complicate things and neither do I want to complicate. Because one thing we need to be clear about is that I’m taking over a very, very successful team. T20 world champions, runner-ups in the World Test Championship and runner-ups in the 50-over World Cup… it’s not that it’s not a successful team. So yes, there are big shoes to fill, but then looking forward to it.”
India is set to play 10 Test matches in the next five-six months, and Gambhir acknowledged the challenge ahead. “That would have always been a challenge because when you take over in all the three formats. After the Sri Lanka tour, we got a long break, we got a month break and then we got 10 Test matches (two vs Bangladesh, three vs New Zealand and five against Australia). I think that’s not bad because then you’re playing continuously those 10 Test matches with the big tour of Australia coming up. And more importantly, (I’m) really excited about it and hopefully we can do really well in those 10 Test matches.”
Gambhir also provided an update on his support staff, confirming that Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate will serve as assistant coaches, T Dilip as fielding coach, and Sairaj Bahutule as bowling coach for the forthcoming Sri Lanka tour.