Cricket

Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir: A Tale of Reconciliation and RespectThe Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed many memorable moments over the years, but one that stands out is the reconciliation between former teammates Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir. The two firebrand cricketers from Delhi had a long-standing alleged hostility, but all that seemed to dissolve during an IPL match earlier this year.In IPL 2023, Kohli and Gambhir, then the mentor for Lucknow Super Giants, had a fierce on-field altercation. However, this season, it was a different story. The two shared a warm embrace, choosing to let bygones be bygones.Former Indian spinner Amit Mishra revealed how the feud ended. According to Mishra, it was Gambhir who took the initiative by walking up to Kohli and hugging him. Mishra believes that Kohli should have made the first move as he had made the issue bigger in the past.Kohli also reflected on the moment with Gambhir during an event. He acknowledged that his behavior had disappointed some people but emphasized that they were not kids anymore.Gambhir, now the head coach of the Indian national cricket team, provided his perspective on the relationship with Kohli and the nuances of on-field conduct. He highlighted the media's role in shaping public perceptions and the tendency to sensationalize narratives for ratings.Gambhir believes that the media should focus on creating hype in a positive way. He also emphasized that when two people are mature enough, no one should interfere in their relationship.With Gambhir now at the helm of the Indian team, the dynamics between the former teammates are under scrutiny once again. However, their reconciliation during the IPL suggests that they have put the past behind them and are ready to work together for the betterment of Indian cricket.

Brett Lee Lauds Gautam Gambhir's Appointment as Team India Head CoachAustralian bowling legend Brett Lee has expressed his admiration for the appointment of Gautam Gambhir as the new head coach of the Indian cricket team. Lee believes that Gambhir's on-field aggression and game awareness will be invaluable assets for the Men in Blue.Gambhir, who guided the Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL title in 2024 as a mentor, has taken over the reins from Rahul Dravid, who stepped down after India's T20 World Cup triumph. Gambhir's coaching tenure will commence with an away white-ball series against Sri Lanka, featuring three T20Is and three ODIs, starting on June 27.Lee, who played 76 Tests, 221 ODIs, and 25 T20Is for Australia between 1999 and 2012, praised Gambhir's leadership qualities and his ability to unite his players. "He's always been there, always at the top of his game. He finds a way to unite his players and graft his team together. He builds a solid structure," Lee said.Lee also commended India's T20 World Cup victory, highlighting the team's strong performance and Rohit Sharma's leadership. "India played the perfect style of cricket in the T20 World Cup. They looked like a strong side, to be very honest. Massive congratulations to Rohit Sharma and the Indian team," Lee said.Regarding Suryakumar Yadav's stunning catch in the final, Lee remarked, "Catches win you matches, don't they? I mean, Surya plucked the ball out of the sky. It was a brilliant, title-winning catch."Lee emphasized the importance of fitness for fast bowlers and revealed that he is fitter now than he was during his playing days. "I'm probably fitter now than I was when I was playing, to be perfectly honest," he said.On the topic of Australia's performance in the T20 World Cup, Lee acknowledged the team's challenges but expressed optimism for the future. "We're at a bit of a crossroads now with the Australian cricket team. It's time for the next generation of young cricketers to come through and flourish," he said.

Gautam Gambhir and Shah Rukh Khan Reunite at Anant Ambani's Wedding, Showcasing KKR CamaraderieAt the grand wedding ceremony of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant in Mumbai, newly appointed Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) co-owner Shah Rukh Khan shared a heartwarming moment that highlighted their shared history with the KKR franchise.A video that went viral on social media captured the Bollywood superstar giving a warm embrace to the former KKR mentor. The gesture showcased the camaraderie and respect between the two prominent figures, who have played significant roles in the success of the KKR team.As a player, Gambhir led KKR to IPL titles in 2012 and 2014, showcasing his exceptional leadership skills. He then transitioned into a coaching role, guiding the KKR team to another IPL title in 2024. His coaching credentials were evident in the team's impressive performance under his mentorship.However, Gambhir's pursuit of national objectives led him to step away from the KKR franchise. He replaced Rahul Dravid as India's head coach, whose tenure ended with India's triumph in the T20 World Cup in Barbados last month.Gambhir's appointment as head coach marks a new chapter in his illustrious career. He expressed his honor and excitement to serve his country in this capacity, stating, "It is an absolute honor to serve my tricolour, my people, my country."He acknowledged the exemplary run of Rahul Dravid and his support staff, and expressed his commitment to building on their success. Gambhir's tenure will commence with the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, which is scheduled to begin on July 27.The reunion between Gambhir and Shah Rukh Khan at Anant Ambani's wedding serves as a testament to the enduring bonds forged within the KKR franchise. It also highlights the respect and admiration that exists between these two influential figures in the world of cricket.

As Gautam Gambhir takes the reins as India's new head coach, the future of veteran players in the team's T20 setup is under scrutiny. Among those facing uncertainty is Mohammed Shami, who has been a mainstay in all three formats but has seen his T20I appearances dwindle.India's outgoing bowling coach, Paras Mhambrey, has urged Gambhir and his yet-to-be-finalized coaching staff to address Shami's future promptly. "The staff should talk to Shami and find out what he wants to do," Mhambrey said. "He's no longer young, so where does he fit in and how many more years does he look to play? How do we use him smartly?"Shami's recent injury struggles have raised concerns about his longevity. Despite being India's top bowler in the 2023 ODI World Cup, he has not played for the team since the final against Australia. Mhambrey believes that Shami's fitness and aspirations should be prioritized."If Tests are the focus now, then make sure he is in the best shape for the series in Australia," Mhambrey said. "However, what Shami wants and what his body says is paramount."Mhambrey emphasized the need for individualized fitness plans for players of different ages and abilities. "You can't compare a Shami with some youngster who has just come in," he said. "You have to understand what the value of Shami is. Do you need Shami to do the Yo-Yo or bowl those many balls in a Test and win India the game?"Shami remains a formidable pacer, and his experience could prove invaluable in India's pursuit of the Champions Trophy and Test Championship. Gambhir and his coaching staff will need to carefully assess Shami's fitness, aspirations, and role in the team's future plans.

Gautam Gambhir's appointment as head coach of the Indian cricket team has sparked excitement and anticipation ahead of the upcoming white-ball tour of Sri Lanka. Gambhir, known for his astute leadership and tactical acumen, will make his debut as head coach on July 26.Gambhir's appointment comes after the successful tenure of Rahul Dravid, who led India to victory in the T20 World Cup last month. Gambhir's credentials as a coach were solidified during his time with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Under his guidance, KKR emerged as IPL champions earlier this year, ending a 10-year title drought.Ahead of Gambhir's debut series, KKR captain Shreyas Iyer has been spotted training diligently. Iyer, who was overlooked for the T20 World Cup and the ongoing tour of Zimbabwe, could benefit immensely from Gambhir's mentorship.Iyer's recent training sessions have showcased his determination and commitment. Despite the heavy rain, he was seen working out relentlessly, demonstrating his unwavering work ethic.Iyer's absence from the national team and the Central Contracts list has been a source of disappointment for the talented batter. However, Gambhir's appointment could mark a turning point in his career.Prior to the IPL, Iyer faced criticism for skipping a Ranji Trophy match due to a reported back issue. However, the NCA's contradictory fitness report raised questions about his commitment.Despite these setbacks, Iyer remained focused on his goals. He attended a pre-IPL camp with KKR and worked tirelessly to improve his fitness and performance."I had a terrific World Cup and I wanted to take a break after that and wanted to work on my body and build some strength around certain areas," Iyer said on his YouTube channel. "Due to lack of communication, there were some decisions that didn't go in my favor.""But I realized that the bat is going to be in my hand and it's on me to perform and win trophies. I decided that once I win Ranji Trophy and IPL that would be an apt answer for whatever happened in the past and thankfully everything fell into the right place. I am grateful for how it happened."With Gambhir at the helm, Iyer has a golden opportunity to revive his international career and prove his worth as a world-class batter.

Avesh Khan, the promising Indian pacer, has lauded the coaching style of Gautam Gambhir, who is set to take over as Team India's head coach. Khan, who has worked under Gambhir's guidance at Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL, shared his insights into Gambhir's approach, emphasizing his focus on winning and extracting the best from his players."Whatever I have learned from him is about the mindset that you should always look to get the better of your opponent and give your 100 per cent," Khan said in a press conference ahead of India's fourth T20I against Zimbabwe in Harare.Gambhir's coaching style is characterized by clear communication and a strong emphasis on teamwork. "In team meetings, as well as one-on-ones, he would speak less but would convey his point as to what is to be done," Khan explained. "He would assign tasks and roles to players and he has always been a 'team coach', he always wants to win and everyone to give their 100 per cent."Khan has been impressed with Gambhir's ability to motivate and inspire his players. "He has a way of making you believe in yourself and your abilities," Khan said. "He always pushes you to go the extra mile and never gives up on you."Khan's performance in the ongoing T20I series against Zimbabwe has been commendable, with the pacer taking six wickets in three matches. He attributed his success to the varying conditions at the Harare Sports Club, which have allowed him to showcase his versatility."We have played on different wickets here," Khan said. "We played the first two matches on the same deck, there was good bounce in the first match but in the second it had flattened out. The conditions are good, since it is an open ground the ball also swings a bit."Khan also highlighted the importance of adaptability as a bowler. "As a bowler, I always think of providing that as an option, bring in new elements such as developing a slow bouncer or a leg-cutter from outside off-stump or near the wide line," he said.Khan expressed his admiration for Jasprit Bumrah's clarity of thought and execution as a bowler. "Like Virat bhai said, he is once in a generation bowler, it is true and we all believe so," Khan said. "His style of bowling and his mindset are different, but main (thing) is his execution, for which we all practice."Khan is eager to emulate Bumrah's approach and believes that Gambhir's guidance will help him achieve his goals. "Whenever I speak with him, he tells me to focus on the execution," Khan said. "If you are thinking of sending down a yorker, then it has to be a yorker; it cannot be a full toss or a half volley, a bouncer has to be on the shoulders; a length ball has to be (aimed at) the top of off (stump)."

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is actively considering former South African pacer Morne Morkel as a potential bowling coach for the Indian cricket team. This development comes after Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach, expressed his desire to include Morkel in the support staff.Morkel, who played 86 Tests, 117 ODIs, and 44 T20Is for the Proteas, has a wealth of experience and a proven track record as a successful bowler. He was Pakistan's bowling coach during the ODI World Cup in India last year but resigned before his contract expired.Gambhir and Morkel have a history of working together, having been part of Andy Flower's support staff at the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for two seasons. Gambhir has always been a vocal admirer of Morkel's bowling abilities, describing him as the "fiercest bowler he had ever faced."The BCCI has reportedly held talks with Morkel, who is currently living in Sydney with his family. One of the considerations for Morkel is the extensive travel required for the India job, given his young family.If Morkel accepts the role, he will replace Paras Mhambrey, who was part of Rahul Dravid's support staff for the past three years. Morkel could potentially join former KKR teammate Ryan ten Doeschate and Nayar in Gambhir's support staff.The BCCI is also keen on retaining fielding coach T Dilip from the outgoing Dravid regime. The final decision on the support staff is expected to be made soon.

Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach of the Indian cricket team, has sparked a debate with his candid views on workload and injury management. In a video released by Star Sports, Gambhir expressed his firm belief that players should play across all three formats if they are good enough and in form."I am a very strong believer in one thing, that if you are good, you should be playing all the three formats. I have never been a big believer of 'injury management'. You got injured, you go and recover. As simple as it gets. You are playing international cricket, and you are good enough - you ask any of the top players - they want to play all the three formats. They don't want to be labelled as red-ball bowlers or white-ball bowlers," Gambhir said.The former India opener emphasized that injuries are a natural part of a sportsman's life and should be dealt with by recovery rather than through preemptive management. "Injuries are part of sportsmen's life. And if you are playing all the three formats, you get injured, you go back and get recovered but you should be playing all the three formats. I am not a big believer to identify people that okay we are going to keep him for Test matches and we are going to keep him and we are going to manage his injury and workload and stuff," Gambhir elaborated.Gambhir's no-nonsense approach and emphasis on playing through all formats is expected to bring a new dynamic to the Indian cricket team as they gear up for their series against Sri Lanka. At 42, Gambhir is the youngest coach to lead Team India, and he underscored the importance of professional players making the most of their careers by playing as much as possible, given the limited span of their professional life."Look, professional cricketers, you got a very small span. When you are playing for your country you want to play as much as you can. When you are in very good form, go ahead and play all the three formats," Gambhir explained.

Gautam Gambhir's appointment as the new Indian cricket team head coach has garnered significant attention and praise from the cricketing fraternity. Following Rahul Dravid's successful tenure, Gambhir will take over the reins after the T20 World Cup 2024 triumph.Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi hailed Gambhir's appointment, commending his positive and straightforward approach. "It's a big opportunity, and we need to see how he makes the most of it. I have seen his interviews, and he talks positively and is very straightforward," Afridi said.Legendary South African fast bowler Dale Steyn expressed his admiration for Gambhir's aggression and streetwise cricket acumen. "I'm a big fan of Gautam Gambhir. I love his aggression. He's one of the few Indians I ever played against who came back at you, and I like that," Steyn said.Steyn believes Gambhir's competitive spirit and cricket intelligence will benefit the Indian team. "Not just in India, but in world cricket, we need guys who are a little bit more aggressive and play the game a little bit harder. He's also streetwise, a very smart cricketer, and has a great cricket brain," Steyn added.Gambhir's appointment marks a new era for Indian cricket, with the former left-handed opener expected to bring a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of aggression to the team. He will start his tenure with the upcoming T20I and ODI series against Sri Lanka, where he will have the opportunity to implement his coaching philosophy and recruit a new support staff.