Gautam Gambhir’s tenure as India’s head coach commenced on a promising note with a thrilling three-nil series victory in the T20I segment but concluded on a disheartening winless streak in the ODIs on Wednesday in Colombo. With the Champions Trophy looming in six months, the Indian team has already begun incorporating elements of Gambhir’s methods. In this report, we delve into the significant takeaways from Gambhir’s inaugural tour as the head coach of India, including his strategies, the outcomes of trials with new players substituting the rested trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Ravindra Jadeja, and more.
**Batting Depth and Maximizing Bowling Potential**
Drawing from his extensive coaching experience with Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders, Gautam Gambhir’s strategy of deploying combinations that enhance batting depth was evident throughout the six-game tour. This approach led to players like Axar Patel being positioned as low as No. 8 or No. 9 in the batting order at various times. To implement this strategy, Gambhir had to optimize the bowling potential of the all-rounders and part-time bowlers within the squad.
A significant challenge for India in recent years has been the limited batting prowess of their bowlers and the infrequent bowling contributions from their top batters. Gambhir attempted to address this issue during the tour, with players like Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Rinku Singh, and Suryakumar Yadav contributing with the ball to varying degrees of success. More noticeably, Riyan Parag and Shivam Dube were entrusted with greater responsibilities with the ball.
**Parag and Dube’s Performances with the Ball**
Riyan Parag showcased his bowling capabilities by claiming three wickets in the first T20I, which appeared facile; however, his three-wicket haul in the final ODI was pivotal. In his debut ODI, Parag emerged as the most effective bowler for the team with an action that cunningly disguised his leg breaks from off breaks. Even in the two T20Is where he couldn’t take wickets, Parag maintained a reasonable economy rate on the flat pitches that favored the Sri Lankan top-order.
Conversely, Shivam Dube struggled to pose a significant threat with the ball, despite securing his maiden ODI wicket. Unlike Parag, Dube received minimal assistance from the pitch. A more pressing concern is his inability to establish himself as a viable backup for Hardik Pandya, whether with the bat or the ball. Apart from a spectacular catch, Dube’s fielding left much to be desired. Unlike the spin department, which has ample all-round options, the search for a pace-bowling all-rounder beyond Hardik remains unresolved for India.
**Future Opportunities for Riyan Parag?**
While Parag’s bowling performances have earned him more chances with the national team, his impact with the bat, his primary strength, has been lacking. Parag was selected for the Indian team on the back of a standout IPL season, following several underwhelming performances in the initial five seasons.
. His resurgence in form was attributed to his promotion to the No. 4 spot with the Rajasthan Royals. However, in Team India, he is once again relegated to the finisher’s role, a position he has historically struggled to excel in. National team opportunities are scarce; thus, it remains to be seen if Parag can adapt and flourish in this role.
**The Left-Right Combination Obsession**
Gambhir has also brought his left-right combination approach from his IPL experience to the Indian team, particularly evident in the T20Is, influencing positions and skill sets for team selection. This strategy was observed in the ODIs as well, primarily where spin played a crucial role, and the opposition teams had numerous spin options.
**Will this obsession persist with a full-strength squad?**
It appears certain for the T20Is. In the ODIs, with the expected participation of Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Hardik Pandya in the top six, it is likely that the No. 7 position, potentially held by Ravindra Jadeja or Axar Patel, will play a significant role in the middle overs with the bat, rather than frequently batting in their designated position. With the exception of Rishabh Pant and, to some extent, Yashasvi Jaiswal, there are currently no serious challengers to the right-handed batsmen for spots in the team. However, as India is likely to play most of their limited-overs matches on flat tracks, the necessity of the right-left combination over other skills may need reevaluation.
**What About Washington Sundar?**
The offspinning all-rounder, Washington Sundar, bolstered his chances with a Player of the Series performance in Zimbabwe, contributing crucial runs and taking valuable wickets. While 50 runs and five wickets in three games may not seem impressive, these contributions came at critical times, allowing Gambhir to implement his mantras of batting depth and the right-left combination effectively. Nevertheless, considering India’s traditional approach to ODIs, it is uncertain if there is a place for Sundar in the playing XI.
**Struggles Against Spin**
While Gambhir’s strategies appear sound on paper, India’s inability to tackle spin during the middle overs has emerged as a significant challenge. In three games, India’s lineup, apart from Rohit Sharma and occasional contributors, faltered against spin. Jeffrey Vandersay’s leg breaks, Wanindu Hasaranga’s variations, Charith Asalanka’s offspin, and Dunith Wellalage’s orthodox left-arm spin all played roles in India’s collapses. These issues, possibly unique to the Sri Lankan conditions, might not be as concerning elsewhere. However, addressing them could be crucial as India prepares for international pitches around the world.
In conclusion, Gambhir’s debut tour as coach has been a mixed bag with promising starts and areas requiring further work, particularly with the Champions Trophy on the horizon.