Cricket

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has heaped praise on skipper Rohit Sharma, describing him as a "great guy" with immense respect in the dressing room. Gambhir's comments come ahead of India's upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh, starting September 19 in Chennai.Rohit Sharma has established himself as a formidable force in Test cricket since making his debut in 2013. In 59 Tests and 101 innings, he has amassed 4138 runs at an impressive average of 45.47. His leadership qualities have also been evident, guiding India to several notable victories.Gambhir, who played alongside Rohit Sharma during their playing days, spoke highly of their relationship. "We've had several conversations. I believe that the team ultimately belongs to the captain because he leads on the field. My role, along with the support staff, is to assist the captain in every way possible," Gambhir said.He emphasized the importance of Rohit Sharma's leadership and respect within the team. "Rohit's leadership and respect in the dressing room are crucial. So, he's a great guy and has got a lot of respect in that dressing room, and that is the first and foremost quality of a leader," Gambhir added.India will face a formidable challenge against Bangladesh, who recently whitewashed Pakistan 2-0 in their first Test series victory on Pakistani soil. The Bengal Tigers' impressive performance has put them in top form, making them a formidable opponent for India.The upcoming Test series against Bangladesh is crucial for India as they aim to maintain their lead in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. India currently holds a point percentage of 68.52, with upcoming WTC series against New Zealand, Australia, and Bangladesh.

The Indian Premier League's adrenaline rush and the historic ICC T20 World Cup triumph have ignited a surge of energy within India's leading cricketers. As the nation transitions from the thrill of limited-overs cricket to the slow-burn intensity of Test cricket, the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai will host the opening Test of the two-match series between India and Bangladesh, commencing on Thursday.Rohit Sharma's men last played a Test against England in Dharamshala in March, and now they must reset their playing style as they prepare for a series of crucial encounters against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Australia. These games are part of the World Test Championship, which India currently leads, making them critical for the team's progress.The upcoming clashes will also mark the beginning of Gautam Gambhir's era as coach. The former India opener, who honed his leadership skills during the ODIs in Sri Lanka, now faces the daunting task of guiding a squad in transition towards greater glory. Stepping into Rahul Dravid's shoes, Gambhir must steer the team to higher heights.India, playing on home soil, will enter the series as the favorite. However, Bangladesh, fresh from their 2-0 Test series victory over Pakistan in Rawalpindi, is eager to prove their mettle against their larger neighbor. From their independence in 1971 to their Test debut in 2000, Bangladesh has always found India lending a helping hand. Yet, the desire to demonstrate their equality fuels the visitors' determination.While Dhaka recovers from political turmoil, Najmul Hossain Shanto's men continue to carry the weight of hope on their shoulders. Rawalpindi was a testament to their potential, but Chennai and Kanpur may pose greater challenges.India's return to home soil is marked by the remarkable comeback of Rishabh Pant, who has recovered from a life-threatening accident. Virat Kohli, who took a paternity break and missed the series against England, is also back in the mix. K.L. Rahul's return adds to Rohit's experienced core, providing him with a solid foundation to rely on.With Jasprit Bumrah as the spearhead and R. Ashwin leading the spin department, the Indian skipper has ample resources at his disposal. The surface is expected to favor both fast and slow bowlers, ensuring an intriguing contest.For Bangladesh, a glimpse of the Bay of Bengal upon arrival and the proximity of Greams Road, with its distinct Bengali vibe, may evoke a sense of familiarity. However, having never defeated India in a Test while being a formidable opponent in ODIs, especially during the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean, the Tigers face a formidable challenge.Veterans Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan know what it takes to surprise India, but Bangladesh will need contributions from others like Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Taskin Ahmed to embody that spirit.

Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir: Faith as a Source of Strength in CricketIn a candid conversation hosted by the BCCI, former Indian cricketers Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli delved into the profound role that faith plays in their lives and careers. Despite their contrasting personalities, both players share a deep connection to the divine, which they credit as a source of inner strength and resilience.Gambhir vividly recalled the epic knock he played in Napier, New Zealand, nearly 15 years ago. Facing a daunting follow-on, he found solace in chanting the 'Hanuman Chalisa.' This devotional hymn helped him summon the determination to bat for over 10 hours, saving the Test match for India.Similarly, Kohli revealed that during his triumphant 2014 tour of Australia, he would chant 'Om Namah Shivay' before every delivery. This mantra, dedicated to Lord Shiva, kept him focused and in the zone, enabling him to score four Test centuries."Instead of talking about me, I remember when you had that bumper series in Australia, where you scored heaps and heaps of runs, you were telling me that you kept saying 'Om Namah Shivay' before every delivery. And that got you in that zone," Gambhir remarked.Gambhir's innings in Napier was a testament to his unwavering resolve. He faced 436 balls over two days and half a session, forming crucial partnerships with Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, and VVS Laxman."I remember Laxman telling me when I was batting on Day 5 in Napier. After that first session, when I was walking back, he told me 'Do you realize you have not uttered a word for the last two hours, even between overs'? I realized that I did not say a word," Gambhir recounted."All I did between overs was nod and play, and when I got back, I put on Hanuman Chalisa and listened to it. For those two-and-half-days, it was like completely zoned out."Both Gambhir and Kohli emphasized that the state of being in the zone is a divine experience, accessible only to those who have experienced it firsthand. Their shared faith in the divine has undoubtedly been a cornerstone of their success as cricketers, empowering them to overcome challenges both on and off the field.

Rishabh Pant's return to Test cricket after a two-year hiatus is a testament to his resilience and determination. The wicketkeeper-batsman, who last played a Test match against Bangladesh in 2022, is set to make his comeback in the upcoming India-Bangladesh Test match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.Pant's journey back to the cricket field has been remarkable. In December 2022, he survived a horrific car accident that left him with multiple injuries. Despite the adversity, he has worked tirelessly to regain his fitness and form.In the interim, Dhruv Jurel has shown promise as a wicketkeeper-batsman, particularly during the home series against England. However, head coach Gautam Gambhir has emphasized the importance of Pant's presence in the team."We all know how destructive he can be (as a batter) and what he can do in Test cricket. Obviously, it gives him the freedom to go out there and express himself. He has got runs everywhere around the world," Gambhir said in the pre-match press meet.Pant recently proved his readiness for Test cricket by performing well in the Duleep Trophy for India B. In that match, he scored a swift 61 off 47 balls and excelled as a wicketkeeper, taking seven catches.Assessing his wicketkeeping skills, Gambhir noted, "Not only with his batting, he has been excellent behind the stumps as well. Probably his batting overshadows his keeping many times."Ricky Ponting, who coached Pant at Delhi Capitals, praised his enthusiasm and competitive spirit. "He's an infectious character to have around the group. He loves his cricket. He's a winner. He doesn't just play to make a few runs and be out there for the fun of it," Ponting told Sky Sports.Pant's return to the Test arena is highly anticipated, and his performance will be closely watched as India take on Bangladesh. The wicketkeeper-batsman will be eager to prove that he is still one of the most destructive batsmen in the world and that he can be a valuable asset to the Indian team.

India's cricket landscape is undergoing a transformative shift, largely attributed to the exceptional impact of Jasprit Bumrah. As the team prepares for its first Test series under Gautam Gambhir's leadership, the former opener highlights Bumrah's profound influence beyond his on-field performances."Traditionally, India has been a batting-obsessed nation," Gambhir observes. "But Bumrah, Shami, Siraj, Ashwin, and Jadeja have shifted the focus towards bowling."Bumrah's remarkable statistics in just 36 Tests are a testament to his dominance. His ability to consistently take five-wicket hauls has been instrumental in India's memorable victories, including the Oval 2021, Melbourne 2018, and Visakhapatnam 2024 triumphs."Bumrah is the world's best fast bowler across all formats," Gambhir asserts. "His hunger and desire to play Test cricket are exceptional."Gambhir believes that Bumrah's presence in the dressing room is an honor and a catalyst for change. "We can make a difference at any stage of the game," he says. "Hopefully, we can continue this momentum in this series and beyond."As India embarks on its home season, the focus will inevitably shift to the spinners. Gambhir emphasizes the importance of selecting bowlers who can create an impact on both day one and day five. "Ashwin and Jadeja have been exceptional in tandem," he notes. "They have the ability to bowl defensively and aggressively, which is crucial in Test cricket."Despite India's undefeated record against Bangladesh, Gambhir cautions against complacency. "We don't change our intensity based on the opposition," he says. "International cricket demands constant hunger and determination."Gambhir is impressed by the talent pool at his disposal. "The players' passion for representing India is evident," he says. However, he acknowledges the challenges of transitioning between formats, particularly in Test cricket."Our batters have the quality to face any bowling attack," Gambhir says. "But in Test cricket, a strong defense is paramount. We need to develop our defensive skills to succeed in this format."

Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach of the Indian cricket team, has emphasized the significance of fostering a strong relationship with senior players like captain Rohit Sharma and star batsman Virat Kohli. Gambhir, who played alongside these players during his playing days, believes that their shared history will facilitate effective communication and decision-making.Gambhir acknowledged that his recent appointment is still in its early stages, but he expressed confidence in building upon the existing relationships he has with the senior players. He emphasized the importance of maintaining open and honest communication to ensure that everyone is on the same page."When you have that kind of a relationship, sometimes it gets much easier than building a relationship," Gambhir said. "Obviously, now the roles are different. The relationship we can build over the next couple of years is going to be very important."Gambhir also addressed the media attention surrounding his past spat with Kohli during an IPL match. He dismissed the notion that there is any lingering tension between them, stating that his relationship with all the players in the dressing room has always been positive."Sometimes people have made a lot of hue and cry about these things," Gambhir said. "But that's not true. My relationship with everyone in the dressing room team has been really, really good."Regarding team selection, Gambhir emphasized the importance of clear communication and transparency. He explained that the team's best playing XI is selected based on merit and that players who are not selected should understand the reasons behind the decision."We don't drop anyone," Gambhir said. "We only select the best playing 11. We think and do the job for that particular Test match."Gambhir also clarified the situation regarding the team's wicket-keeper for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. He praised the performances of both Rishabh Pant and Sarfaraz Khan but indicated that Pant remains the first-choice keeper for the time being."I feel Jurel is a quality player," Gambhir said. "But sometimes people will have to wait. Someone like Sarfaraz has also done really well. But sometimes you just need to wait for the opportunity and keep working hard."

Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach of the Indian cricket team, addressed the media in a press conference ahead of the first Test match against Bangladesh. The press conference provided insights into Gambhir's coaching philosophy, the team's preparations, and his relationship with captain Rohit Sharma.Gambhir emphasized the importance of bowlers in the modern game, stating that Jasprit Bumrah is the best fast bowler in the world. He credited Bumrah, along with Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, and Ravindra Jadeja, for transforming India into a "bowlers' game."The head coach also expressed his respect for Bangladesh but asserted that India will approach the series with the mindset of a champion side. He believes that the team's best style is the one that wins.Gambhir's first Test series as head coach will be a significant milestone in his career. He previously led the team in T20I and ODI series against Sri Lanka.During the press conference, Gambhir and former India captain Virat Kohli discussed their on-field altercations in the past. Gambhir jokingly deflected Kohli's question about how altercations affect his performance, saying that Kohli has had more altercations than him.Kohli and Gambhir have put their past differences aside and are now working together to achieve success for the Indian team. They have "put an end to all the masala" surrounding their rumored rift.Rohit Sharma, the Indian captain, acknowledged that Gambhir's coaching style is different from his predecessor, Rahul Dravid. However, he emphasized that he has a good understanding with Gambhir and that the new coaching staff brings a different perspective.

Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli: A Candid ConversationAhead of the Test series against Bangladesh, Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir and batting icon Virat Kohli engaged in a lighthearted interview, revealing their camaraderie and mutual respect.Despite their past competitive rivalry on the field, Gambhir and Kohli have set aside their differences for the betterment of the Indian team. In the interview, they discussed the impact of on-field banter on their performance.Kohli, known for his fiery nature, admitted to having more altercations than Gambhir. He wondered if such confrontations could distract him or motivate him.Gambhir, with a chuckle, suggested that Kohli was better equipped to answer the question. Kohli, in turn, expressed his desire for someone to agree with his perspective."I am only looking for someone who agrees with what I have to say. Not saying that it is wrong. At least someone should say, yes this is what happens," Kohli said.The interview highlighted the evolution of their relationship, from fierce competitors to supportive colleagues. Both players were part of Team India's ODI World Cup victory in 2011, and their shared experiences have forged a bond between them.Gambhir praised Kohli's leadership qualities, saying, "Virat has been a fantastic leader. He has taken Indian cricket to new heights."Kohli, in turn, acknowledged Gambhir's contributions as a coach, saying, "Gautam has brought a lot of discipline and structure to the team. He has created a positive environment."The interview concluded with a humorous exchange, with Gambhir joking about the "spice" of their conversation.

Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has expressed his belief that head coach Gautam Gambhir's past aggressive behavior stems from a desire to protect his players. Karthik believes this approach will benefit the team, emphasizing that Gambhir does not display anger unnecessarily."His aggression has generally come out in protection of his players and that is something the current lot of players will enjoy. Knowing him, he is not someone who gets angry for the heck of it," Karthik told reporters on the sidelines of a Legends League Cricket event.Karthik also acknowledged Gambhir's inexperience in coaching Test cricket, which may be a concern as he prepares for his first assignment with the series against Bangladesh in Chennai on Thursday."He has been a part of numerous T20 tournaments. But this Test series will be completely new for him as a coach and it must be playing at the back of his mind," Karthik said.However, Karthik expressed confidence in Gambhir's ability to navigate the challenges of Test cricket."He is someone who has navigated through tough waters. He's got the acumen to understand the pulse of the game, which is extremely important as a coach," Karthik said.Karthik also spoke about India's upcoming series against Bangladesh, highlighting the challenges for both teams. He noted Bangladesh's recent success against Pakistan but pointed out the difficulties of playing against the Indian team at home."It will start with a lot of confidence from Bangladesh. (For India) it's about understanding that they are playing a slightly different Bangladesh team," he said."But, India in India is a different kettle of fish to beat. It's not going to be in any way as easy as compared to going outside and beating other countries in their backyard," he said.He also discussed the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, predicting a tough competition."The BGT will be a challenge for Team India. The current Australian team is in form and (is) a pretty well-oiled unit. It's not by chance that they won the World Test Championship," he said."It will be tough for India. But considering the grit and resilience that India has, it will be a wonderful series to watch," he added.