Cricket

India's World Cup Hopes Soar with Gautam Gambhir as Potential Head CoachFormer India opener Gautam Gambhir's name has emerged as a strong contender for the role of head coach of the Indian men's cricket team. Sanjay Bhardwaj, Gambhir's former coach, believes that under Gambhir's leadership, India has a high chance of securing a World Cup victory.Bhardwaj's optimism stems from Gambhir's proven track record as a player and his astute cricketing mind. As a player, Gambhir was known for his aggressive batting style and his ability to perform under pressure. He was a key member of the Indian team that won the 2011 World Cup.As a coach, Gambhir has already demonstrated his capabilities with the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Under his guidance, the Capitals have consistently performed well, reaching the playoffs in multiple seasons.Bhardwaj believes that Gambhir's experience and understanding of the game would be invaluable to the Indian team. He said, "If Gautam Gambhir will be the coach of the team for 3-4 years, India will surely win a World Cup. It will be a very good feeling if my student coaches Team India."Gambhir's potential appointment has received support from several former cricketers, including Virender Sehwag and Harbhajan Singh. They believe that Gambhir's passion, determination, and tactical acumen make him an ideal candidate for the role.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is currently searching for a new head coach, with Rahul Dravid's tenure concluding after the T20 World Cup 2024. Gambhir's name is high on the list of potential candidates, and his appointment would be a significant development for Indian cricket.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer and current mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders, has offered valuable advice to Hardik Pandya, the captain of the Mumbai Indians, following the team's disappointing performance in IPL 2024.Gambhir, who has won the IPL twice as captain of KKR, emphasized the importance of treating all team members equally, regardless of their experience or stature. "First and foremost, treat Rohit Sharma and the youngest member of the team in exactly the same way," he said. "It is a tough job, but leaders are bound to take tough decisions. Otherwise, you will become a follower."Gambhir believes that a true leader must have courage and self-belief. "If you're a leader, you're a leader for everyone in that dressing room," he said. "To do that, you need to have a lot of courage and self-belief."The removal of Rohit Sharma as captain of the Mumbai Indians was met with criticism from many quarters. However, Gambhir believes that it is essential for a leader to treat all players equally. "You cannot have different things for different individuals looking at their profile," he said. "If you want to become a leader, profiles do not matter."Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya have put their Mumbai Indians struggles behind them and are now focused on helping India win the T20 World Cup. Under Rohit's leadership, Pandya has made significant contributions with both bat and ball.India will face Bangladesh on June 22 and Australia on June 24 in the Super 8 stage of the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer, has expressed his reluctance to speculate about his future as the head coach of the men's national team. Despite being heavily linked to the role, Gambhir maintains that he is content with his current position and is not looking too far ahead.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is currently evaluating potential candidates to replace Rahul Dravid, whose tenure as head coach is set to expire after the T20 World Cup 2024. Gambhir has emerged as a strong contender, with many former cricketers endorsing his credentials.However, Gambhir remains cautious about the possibility of taking over the reins of the Indian team. "I don't see that far ahead," he said. "It's difficult to answer right now. All I can say is that I am happy being here."Gambhir's reluctance to commit to the head coach role stems from his contentment with his current position as team mentor for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Under his guidance, the Knights lifted their third IPL trophy in 2024.Gambhir's coaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of treating all players equally. "In a team sport, it's the team that matters the most," he said. "Individuals do play a role, but ultimately, if everyone is treated equally, you will achieve an unbelievable amount of success."Meanwhile, the Indian team continues to impress in the T20 World Cup, having secured a 47-run victory over Afghanistan in their Super 8 opener. The Rohit Sharma-led side will face Bangladesh on Saturday in Antigua.

Gautam Gambhir Calls for ICC to Reassess Two New Balls Rule in Limited Overs CricketFormer Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to reconsider the rule allowing two new balls in limited overs cricket. Gambhir believes the regulation is "unfair" to finger spinners and has diminished the art of reverse swing.In 2011, the ICC introduced the use of two new balls in ODIs, a move that was met with criticism from some quarters. Gambhir echoed these concerns, stating that the rule has disadvantaged finger spinners and reduced their opportunities in white-ball cricket."It is very unfair for finger spinners, who are not playing enough white-ball cricket because there is nothing for them," Gambhir said. "It is not right."The use of two new balls has also impacted reverse swing, as the ball maintains its shine for a longer duration. This has made it more difficult for bowlers to generate reverse swing, a skill that was once a key weapon in limited overs cricket."There is no reverse swing anymore because of the two new balls, and there is nothing for finger spinners or left-arm spinners," Gambhir added.Gambhir, who recently mentored the Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL title, believes the ICC should reassess the rule to ensure a fair balance between bat and ball."Taking that opportunity away from certain players is very unfair," he said. "Today, you hardly see any finger spinners playing white-ball cricket. Why? The blame lies not with them, but with the ICC."Gambhir also praised the leadership of MS Dhoni, under whom he enjoyed his most successful years in international cricket."I had my best performance under Anil Kumble and I had my phase under MS Dhoni, and the longest I played was under MS," he said. "I enjoyed playing a lot with MS and the way he led the team."

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's veteran spinner, has heaped praise on Gautam Gambhir, describing him as a tenacious and exceptional motivator. Gambhir is the leading candidate to replace Rahul Dravid as India's head coach.Ashwin credits Gambhir with instilling confidence in him during the early stages of his Test career. The spinner reminisced about his conversations with Gambhir during his debut full series for India, which took place against New Zealand in 2012."Gambhir was a fighter," Ashwin stated, emphasizing the former opener's role in his development as a cricketer. "I was playing my first full series. I only carried drinks during the first two years before the World Cup (in 2011). He gave me a lot of confidence at the beginning (of his career). I was not used to someone beyond my state (Tamil Nadu) giving me that sort of confidence," Ashwin said while launching his book -- I Have the Streets - A Kutti Cricket Story -- in Chennai.Ashwin expressed his views on the former Indian opener, stating that the cricketer's frank and straightforward manner often led to misinterpretation of his character. "Gautam Gambhir is a very misunderstood person. It's all about perception. He is a fighter. The biggest issue with many of us is that we give hero status to someone in our mind and forget about everyone else. This is a sport, not a movie narrative. There are no heroes and villains. Gambhir is a competitor. His desire and hunger to win is unbelievable. I have massive respect (for him)," he added.Ashwin's rise to prominence in the Indian Premier League (IPL) occurred in 2010 when he was selected to play for the Chennai Super Kings, led by the iconic MS Dhoni. This opportunity proved to be a turning point in Ashwin's career, showcasing his skills on a grand stage.However, Ashwin's journey to the IPL spotlight can be traced back to a pivotal moment in the 2008 Challenger Trophy. It was during this tournament that Ashwin managed to catch the eye of Dhoni, who recognized the young spinner's potential."It's an evolving relationship. MS didn't even know someone like me existed in 2008," he remembered. "And because of that, I made it my life's goal -- from 2009, it was to get the wicket of MS Dhoni. When a person has a goal like this, he will go crazy when an opportunity to achieve it pops up."Ashwin went back to that final match held in Nagpur. "We were playing the Challenger Trophy, and I bowled an unbelievable spell. MS would struggle through that spell in Nagpur. Once, when he tried to play, the ball went through his gates. I got him out in the final. From then on, I think he saw somebody with skill, and the relationship matured."Ashwin revealed that once a player gained Dhoni's confidence, they would receive numerous opportunities to showcase their abilities. "One of MS' usual qualities is that, if he decides this horse (a player) is not ready to race, he will not use you. He needs to know you're a horse. But, once he knows you're a horse, only when you feel like giving up, he will look past you. That is MS Dhoni; he believes in you," he added.Ashwin's contribution to India's historic 2011 World Cup triumph was minimal. However, the Tamil Nadu spinner fondly remembered the inclusive atmosphere created by head coach Gary Kirsten and the entire team, ensuring he never felt left out or unappreciated."After winning (the WC), Gary called me over and said we have not done justice to your talent. You have waited two years, but make no mistake, take it from me -- you will achieve far greater things, and I am upset that I will not be a part of it," he reflected. "So, Gary actually resigned (as head coach) with me first before announcing it outside (laughs). It was surprising for me because in all these two years, Gary actually spoke, maybe, 100 lines to me. Gary was a man of few words and an outstanding human being," he added.In fact, Ashwin was used sparingly even in the run-up to that World Cup. He offered a reason for that. "One of the reasons why MS did not play me leading up to the World Cup (2011) was the novelty factor. But eventually, I figured out that they would play me. I was about to play the match against Pakistan (2nd semifinal in Mohali). But, they decided to opt for an extra fast bowler because there was heavy dew the previous day there," he concluded.

Gautam Gambhir Remains Noncommittal on Potential India Head Coach AppointmentFormer India opener Gautam Gambhir has declined to comment on his potential appointment as the next head coach of the national cricket team, stating that he does not "see that far ahead."Gambhir, 42, was speaking at an event organized by the Indian Chambers of Commerce in Kolkata on Friday. Earlier this week, he participated in a virtual interview with the BCCI's Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC). Many believe he is the frontrunner to take over from current head coach Rahul Dravid, whose tenure is set to conclude after the ongoing T20 World Cup.Despite his recent success as a team mentor, playing a key role in Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) third IPL title win, Gambhir refused to be drawn into speculation about his prospects."I don't see that far ahead. You are grilling me, asking me all tough questions," Gambhir said, as quoted by PTI. "It is difficult to answer right now. All I can say is that I'm happy being here, just finished a brilliant journey (and) let's enjoy that. I'm in a very happy space right now," he added.Gambhir's evasiveness has fueled further speculation about his potential appointment. The CAC, comprising former India captain Madan Lal, former India all-rounder Sulakshana Naik, and former India women's captain Shanta Rangaswamy, is expected to make a decision on the next head coach soon.If appointed, Gambhir would bring a wealth of experience to the role. He played 58 Tests, 147 ODIs, and 37 T20Is for India, scoring over 10,000 international runs. He was also a key member of the 2011 World Cup-winning team.However, Gambhir has limited coaching experience. He served as a mentor for KKR in the 2022 IPL season, but has not held any other coaching positions.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian opener, has remained tight-lipped about his potential appointment as the next head coach of the Indian cricket team. However, he has provided insights into his coaching philosophy, which emphasizes the "team first ideology."Gambhir, who recently played a crucial role in Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) third IPL title win as team mentor, appeared in a virtual interview with the BCCI's Cricket Advisory Committee earlier this week. He is widely perceived to be India's next head coach after incumbent Rahul Dravid's tenure ends following the ongoing T20 World Cup.When asked about his prospects, Gambhir said, "I don't see that far ahead. You are grilling me, asking me all tough questions." He added, "It is difficult to answer right now. All I can say is that I'm happy being here, just finished a brilliant journey (and) let's enjoy that. I'm in a very happy space right now."Gambhir believes that putting the team ahead of individuals is the bedrock of his coaching philosophy. "If you have the intent of keeping your team ahead of any individual, things will fall in place. If not today, tomorrow, if not tomorrow, someday it will fall in place," he said."But if you start thinking on that, or if you know that you need to help one or two individuals perform, then your team will only suffer.""My job is not to make individuals perform. My job, as a mentor, is to make KKR win," said Gambhir, who was praised for his role in KKR's winning run this year."For me, the guru mantra is team first philosophy. I think team-first ideology, team-first philosophy is the most important ideology in any team sport," he added.Gambhir said that everyone was a leader in the KKR camp, which had a near-perfect campaign this year. "Yes, I was the leader, but all of us in the dressing room made the change. It was about making Kolkata proud. It was a moral responsibility for me to give something back to Kolkata," he said.The former cricketer, who also captained India on a few occasions, said that treating all members in a team equally is his approach. "In a team sport, it's the team that matters the most. Individuals do play a role, individuals do contribute," he said."But I think if 11 people are treated equally, if 11 people have equal respect, if everyone is treated equally, given the same respect, same responsibility, same honor, you will achieve an unbelievable amount of success.""You cannot have discrimination in a set up or in an organization," he added.Gambhir expressed no disappointment for not being able to captain India for a long run. "I have always thought about performing for the fans, and that has been my thought since the last year of my training career. In the middle, I got this honor of captaining India for six games. I tried doing it to the best of my ability," he said."Otherwise, I have no regrets whatsoever because my job was not to captain the series. My job was to make my country win, and whichever team I play for, make that team win," he added.He does have one regret, though. "I wish I had finished that game," he said, referring to the 2011 World Cup final in which then-skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni scored the winning runs."It was my job to finish the game, rather than leaving someone to finish the game. If I had to turn back the clock, I would go back there and score the last run, irrespective of how many runs I scored," added the left-hander, who scored 97 runs in that epic clash against Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium.

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir is poised to take over as the head coach of the Indian men's cricket team, replacing Rahul Dravid. Gambhir and ex-India opener WV Raman were interviewed for the position on Tuesday via Zoom by the BCCI's Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC).Gambhir, who played a pivotal role in India's World Cup triumphs in 2007 and 2011, is expected to be formally announced as the new coach towards the end of the ongoing T20 World Cup. His tenure will commence in July 2024 and conclude in December 2027, after the 50-over World Cup.Gambhir's appointment marks a significant shift in the BCCI's approach, as he has no prior coaching experience at the international or domestic level. However, his success as a mentor for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who won the IPL title in 2024, has convinced the decision-makers of his suitability for the role.The CAC, comprising Ashok Malhotra, Jatin Paranjape, and Sulakshana Naik, conducted the interviews with Gambhir and Raman. Sources indicate that the interview with Gambhir was largely a formality, as the BCCI bosses are confident in his ability to lead the team.Gambhir's appointment comes amid speculation that Dravid may join an IPL team as team director. The BCCI is also expected to appoint a new selector from the North Zone to replace Salil Ankola.

Gautam Gambhir's potential appointment as India's head coach has sparked speculation about the future of Shreyas Iyer's international career. Iyer, who led Kolkata Knight Riders to IPL glory, could be in line for a recall to the national team for the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka in July-August.Gambhir, who mentored Iyer at KKR, is considered a strong contender for the India coach position. Under his guidance, Iyer flourished as a 50-over batter, amassing over 500 runs in the World Cup and averaging close to 50.Despite being dropped from BCCI's central contracts due to his absence from the Ranji Trophy, Iyer has maintained that a lower back injury prevented him from playing. However, his impressive performances in the IPL have kept him in contention for a national team recall.Sources within the BCCI have indicated that Iyer is not currently training at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, where young players are preparing for the T20I series against Zimbabwe. However, they believe that he has a strong chance of being selected for the ODI series against Sri Lanka.With senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah expected to focus on ODIs and Tests, the T20I series against Zimbabwe could provide opportunities for new faces. IPL stars like Rinku Singh, Shubman Gill, Avesh Khan, and Khaleel Ahmed are likely to be included in the squad.If Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav are not rested, they are expected to be named captain and vice-captain for the Zimbabwe tour. Both players have been in impressive form since the start of the IPL.