Gautam Gambhir’s tenure as India’s head coach, which began with a commanding three-nil series win in the T20I leg, concluded with a winless run in the ODIs on Wednesday in Colombo. As the Champions Trophy looms just six months away, the Indian team has already started adopting shades of Gambhir’s methods. Here’s an in-depth look at some of the critical takeaways from Gambhir’s inaugural tour as India’s coach – delving into his approach, the outcomes from experimenting with new players who stepped in for the rested trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Ravindra Jadeja, and more.
**Batting Depth and Maximising Bowling Potential**
Drawing from his extensive coaching experience with the Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders, Gambhir’s strategy of ensuring batting depth across both T20Is and ODIs came as no surprise. His approach saw players like Axar Patel being scheduled to bat as low as No. 8 or No. 9 at various points during the six-game tour.
Gambhir’s strategy relied heavily on maximising the bowling capabilities of all-rounders and part-time bowlers within the squad. Historically, India has faced challenges with their bowlers contributing limited batting utility and their top batters rarely bowling. On this tour, Gambhir altered this dynamic by having top-order batters like Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Rinku Singh, and Suryakumar Yadav take on bowling duties with varying degrees of success. Moreover, all-rounders like Riyan Parag and Shivam Dube were entrusted with greater bowling responsibilities.
**How Did Parag and Dube Perform with the Ball?**
Riyan Parag showcased potential with the ball, bagging three wickets in the first T20I and another three in the concluding ODI, both playing crucial roles. His debut ODI saw him as the team’s standout bowler, using an action that obfuscated his leg breaks from his off-breaks. Even in two wicketless T20Is, Parag maintained economy on flat pitches where Sri Lanka’s top-order excelled.
Contrastingly, Shivam Dube struggled to pose any substantial threat despite claiming his maiden ODI wicket. The conditions offered little support for Dube, unlike Parag. Furthermore, Dube failed to capitalize on the chance to make a compelling case as a backup for Hardik Pandya, both with bat and ball. Besides one remarkable catch, his fielding left much to be desired. The pace all-rounder slot, apart from Hardik, remains insufficiently stocked with alternatives, unlike the spin department loaded with all-round options.
**Potential Future Opportunities for Parag?**
While Parag proved his bowling credentials during the tour, his primary skill – batting – didn’t make a similar impact. He was introduced into the Indian team following a stellar IPL season after underwhelming performances in his first five seasons.
. This turnaround in form was attributed to his promotion from a finisher to a more accustomed No. 4 spot with Rajasthan Royals. However, in the Indian team setup, he found himself back in the finisher’s role, a position he struggled to excel in previously. Given the rarity of opportunities in the national team, it remains to be seen if Parag can adapt and shine in this role.
**The Left-Right Batting Combination Obsession**
Another aspect Gambhir brought from his IPL experience into the Indian setup was the insistence on a right-left batting combination through the innings. This strategy was evident in the T20Is, forming a foundational aspect of team selection. While such tactics were attempted in ODIs too, spin, particularly from well-stocked opposing teams, played a significant role in necessitating this approach.
**Will This Obsession Continue with a Full-Strength Squad?**
For T20Is, it appears likely. For ODIs, should primary players like Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Hardik Pandya take their spots in the top six, the No. 7 position, often occupied by Ravindra Jadeja or Axar Patel, will likely assume greater batting responsibility in middle overs. These players may not bat frequently in their designated spots, influenced by Gambhir’s combination tactics.
**What About Washington Sundar?**
Washington Sundar bolstered his chances with a Player of the Series performance in Zimbabwe, contributing crucial runs and wickets. Though his aggregate of 50 runs and five wickets in three games may not stand out, these contributions came at pivotal moments. His versatility fits well with Gambhir’s desire for batting depth and effective implementation of right-left combinations. However, considering India’s usual ODI approach, Sundar’s spot in the XI remains to be firmly established.
**India’s Spin Struggles**
Despite the strategic innovations, India’s struggle against spin during middle overs emerged as a notable challenge. Over three games, only Rohit Sharma and sporadic contributors handled spin effectively, with the lineup collapsing to bowlers like Jeffrey Vandersay, Wanindu Hasaranga, Charith Asalanka, and Dunith Wellalage. While these issues might be specific to Sri Lankan conditions, likely having limited relevance to other international arenas, it nonetheless presents a concern for Gambhir and his team as they fine-tune their strategies for upcoming competitions.
To conclude, Gambhir’s first stint as India’s coach displayed a mixture of innovation and challenges. With the team continuously tweaking and testing combinations, the learnings from this tour could be pivotal as they look forward to the Champions Trophy and beyond.