Cricket

Gautam Gambhir's appointment as the Indian cricket team's head coach has sparked mixed reactions. While many experts and fans welcomed the move, former Pakistan cricketer Tanveer Ahmed believes Gambhir did not deserve the role.Gambhir was appointed after Rahul Dravid's tenure ended following India's triumph at the T20 World Cup 2024. The appointment came as a surprise to some, as the names of WV Raman and National Cricket Academy (NCA) chief VVS Laxman were also in contention.Tanveer took to social media to express his disappointment with Gambhir's appointment, calling it a "parchi" case. He argued that Laxman should have been appointed due to his work with the youngsters."VVS Laxman should have become the head coach of the Indian team because he has been with the India B team as coach for a long time. It seems as if Gautam Gambhir's appointment is a 'parchi' case," Tanveer posted on X.However, Gambhir's appointment has been welcomed by many. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar praised Gambhir's leadership qualities and his ability to get the best out of his players."Gautam Gambhir is a proven leader. He has captained India to victory in the 2011 World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy. He is also a very good tactician and knows how to get the best out of his players," Gavaskar said.Gambhir has already begun his tenure as head coach, leading the team in their first practice session ahead of the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka. The new T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav, was also involved in the session.Gambhir was seen giving batting tips to Sanju Samson and had a chat with all-rounder Shivam Dube. The training session focused on running, catching, and one-on-one interactions.

Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach of the Indian cricket team, has dismissed rumors of a strained relationship with star batter Virat Kohli. Gambhir, known for his fiery on-field altercations with Kohli, emphasized that their personal differences will not affect their professional collaboration."What kind of relationship I share with Virat Kohli is between two mature individuals," Gambhir stated. "On the field, everyone has the right to fight for their team, but when representing India, we are on the same page."Gambhir expressed admiration for Kohli's professionalism and athleticism, recalling the time he awarded him the Man of the Match award after Kohli's maiden international century in 2009. "I have huge respect for him as a player, and it will continue," Gambhir said.Another key player Gambhir will work closely with is Rohit Sharma, who has retired from T20Is but remains captain in Tests and ODIs. Gambhir expressed confidence in both Kohli and Sharma's longevity in the game."They have both shown they can deliver on the big stage," Gambhir said. "They have a lot of cricket left in them, especially with the Champions Trophy and a big tour of Australia coming up. If they can keep their fitness, the 2027 ODI World Cup is also a possibility."Gambhir's appointment has sparked speculation about a potential rift in the dressing room, but he dismissed such concerns. "We are going to be on the same page and try and make India proud," he said.

Rahul Dravid, the former Indian cricket team head coach, is reportedly in talks with Rajasthan Royals for a potential role within the franchise. Dravid's tenure as India's head coach ended after the team's triumph at the T20 World Cup 2024, and he has since been linked with several IPL franchises.Earlier, it was speculated that Dravid might join Kolkata Knight Riders, but recent reports suggest that he is in discussions with Rajasthan Royals, his former IPL team. "Talks are ongoing between RR and Dravid, and an announcement is expected soon," a source told Times of India.Dravid's decision to leave the Indian team was driven by his desire to spend more time with his family. The IPL, with its shorter duration, offers him a more manageable schedule. Dravid has previously worked as a mentor and coach with IPL franchises, including Delhi Daredevils.As Dravid explores his options, Gautam Gambhir has taken over as the head coach of the Indian team. Gambhir acknowledged the high expectations he faces, given Dravid's successful tenure.Dravid's experience and expertise make him a highly sought-after figure in the IPL. His potential role with Rajasthan Royals remains unclear, but it is likely that he will play a significant part in the franchise's operations.

Former Indian head coach Rahul Dravid is poised to make a sensational return to the Rajasthan Royals as their head coach, according to reliable sources. Negotiations between the franchise and Dravid are reportedly in advanced stages, with an official announcement expected soon.Dravid, 51, has a long-standing association with the Royals, having captained them to the Champions League T20 final and IPL playoffs in 2013. He subsequently served as their mentor in 2014 and 2015, guiding them to a third-place finish in the IPL.After his stint with the Royals, Dravid joined the BCCI in various capacities, including head coach of the India U-19 and India 'A' teams, chairman of the National Cricket Academy (NCA), and finally head coach of the senior team from October 2021.It remains unclear whether the Royals will retain Kumar Sangakkara, who has been their director of cricket since 2021, or release him once Dravid takes over.Meanwhile, Sri Lanka is seeking the assistance of an Indian expert to prepare for their upcoming white-ball series against India. Zubin Bharucha, the high-performance director of the Royals, is currently conducting a week-long "batting master class" for Sri Lankan players in Colombo. Bharucha is renowned for his rigorous training methods, which have played a crucial role in the development of young batsmen like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel."I'm assisting Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) coaches in how they are setting up practice -from the academy to the international players," Bharucha said. According to sources, it was Sangakkara who recommended Bharucha for this special training session.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer, has been appointed as the head coach of Team India, succeeding Rahul Dravid. Gambhir expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and acknowledged the legacy of his predecessors. He emphasized the importance of creating a positive and supportive dressing room environment.Gambhir will be assisted by Abhishek Nayar and Ryan Ten Doeschate. He praised their professionalism and expressed confidence in their ability to contribute to the team's success.The new head coach will face the challenge of managing a star-studded dressing room, including captain Rohit Sharma and star batsman Virat Kohli. Gambhir emphasized his strong relationship with Kohli and their shared commitment to the team's success.Gambhir outlined the team's upcoming schedule, including the Champions Trophy, Australia series, and the 2027 World Cup. He expressed his belief in the team's potential and his determination to make India proud.Gambhir's appointment has been met with mixed reactions. Some have questioned his experience as a coach, while others have praised his leadership qualities and his understanding of the game.Despite the challenges, Gambhir is confident in his ability to lead Team India to success. He believes in the team's talent and is eager to create a winning environment.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer known for his gritty batting style, has embarked on a new chapter in his career as the head coach of the Indian cricket team. Despite lacking formal coaching experience, Gambhir's appointment is seen as a bold move that could potentially reshape Indian cricket.In his playing days, Gambhir was a fierce competitor who played with a chip on his shoulder. Unlike many left-handers known for their elegance, Gambhir was a no-nonsense batsman focused on getting the job done. His determination and resilience were evident in his performances, particularly in high-pressure situations.As a coach, Gambhir is expected to bring the same intensity and determination to the Indian team. He has already made his mark by appointing Suryakumar Yadav as the captain of the T20I side, a decision that reflects his pragmatic approach.Gambhir's appointment comes at a time when the Indian Test team is facing a transition. Several key players are in their 30s, and the team needs to identify and groom their replacements. Gambhir's experience as a Test cricketer and his ability to nurture young talent will be crucial in this process.One of the biggest challenges facing Gambhir is the impending retirement of Ravichandran Ashwin, India's second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket. Ashwin's absence will leave a significant void in the team, and Gambhir will need to find a suitable replacement.Despite the challenges, Gambhir has a long-term vision for Indian cricket. His contract extends beyond the 2027 50-over World Cup, giving him ample time to implement his plans and build a team that can compete at the highest level.Gambhir's appointment is a testament to his reputation as a hard worker and a leader. He has a point to prove, and he is determined to make a lasting impact on Indian cricket.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian batter renowned for his aggressive leadership and tactical acumen, has been appointed as the new head coach of Team India. This marks a new era for the Indian cricket team, which recently triumphed at the T20 World Cup 2024 under the guidance of Rahul Dravid.Gambhir's appointment has been met with anticipation and excitement. Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has praised Gambhir's leadership qualities, stating that he is a "complete players' man" who will protect his players and bring a "clever tactical angle" to the team.Gambhir's coaching tenure will commence with an upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka. Suryakumar Yadav has been named as the skipper for the T20Is, while Rohit Sharma will lead the team in the ODIs. Notably, young batter Shubman Gill has been appointed as the vice-captain for both series.Gambhir's coaching credentials include two IPL trophies as a player with Kolkata Knight Riders and a successful stint as a mentor for the same franchise in 2024. His experience and tactical nous are expected to guide Team India towards continued success.The Sri Lanka series will provide an early glimpse of Gambhir's coaching philosophy and the team's performance under his leadership. The T20Is will begin on July 27, followed by the ODIs.

Gautam Gambhir's appointment as India's head coach has raised questions about his strained relationship with Virat Kohli. However, according to a report in Cricbuzz, Kohli has communicated to the BCCI that he is willing to move on, prioritizing the best interests of the team and Indian cricket.Kohli, who has been on a break since India's T20 World Cup victory, has been named in the ODI squad for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. Earlier reports suggested that both Kohli and skipper Rohit Sharma would skip the series, but they will now join the team for the 50-over leg. Suryakumar Yadav has been appointed as the T20 captain following Rohit's retirement from the format.Despite past on-field disagreements and confrontations in the Indian Premier League, Kohli is believed to have stated that previous issues will not affect their professional relationship in the dressing room. He has reportedly communicated this clearly to BCCI officials. Discussions on the matter were likely held after the T20 World Cup final.The Sri Lanka tour will mark Gambhir's first assignment as India's head coach, replacing Rahul Dravid after the T20 World Cup. Both Gambhir and Kohli share a similar approach to cricket, wearing their hearts on their sleeves and expressing their emotions openly.Gambhir's intense patriotic fervor adds an extra dimension to his coaching style, a trait he shares with Kohli. When these qualities are combined for the common goal of winning matches and trophies for India, it has the potential to make the team invincible in all formats, especially with Kohli continuing to play in Tests and ODIs.

Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach of the Indian cricket team, is renowned for his ability to inspire players and lead them to victory, according to his childhood coach Sanjay Bharadwaj. Gambhir's unwavering determination and willingness to embrace challenges make him an ideal candidate to guide the national team to new heights.Bharadwaj, who has also mentored other notable cricketers such as Amit Mishra and Unmukt Chand, believes that Gambhir possesses the qualities of a top-notch coach. "Gautam has the ability to bring out the best in his players," he said. "He knows them well and can effectively utilize their strengths."Gambhir's competitive spirit and unwavering belief in his abilities have been evident throughout his career. "He always played with a challenge," Bharadwaj recalled. "He had a winner's mentality from a young age and never doubted his ability to succeed."Bharadwaj also highlighted Gambhir's keen observation skills and his ability to identify potential in players. "He predicted Rohit Sharma's resurgence when he was going through a lean patch," he said. "His observation about Rohit proved accurate."Gambhir's unwavering commitment to his decisions and his focus on team success are also key attributes that will serve him well as head coach. "If he feels something is right for the team, he will be firm on that decision," Bharadwaj said. "He doesn't believe in favouritism; the only thing that is his favourite is cricket."Bharadwaj's advice to Gambhir as he embarks on this new chapter is to remain true to his principles. "Be honest in your approach," he said. "You have a habit of taking up challenges and conquering them; repay the country's faith in you."With his proven track record of success as a player and his unwavering determination, Gautam Gambhir is poised to make a significant impact as the head coach of the Indian cricket team. His ability to inspire players, embrace challenges, and focus on team success will undoubtedly lead to a new era of dominance for Indian cricket.