Cricket

Former Indian cricketer WV Raman has sparked a debate within the cricket community by suggesting that legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar be appointed as a batting consultant for Team India ahead of the 2025 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). Raman believes that Tendulkar's expertise could prove invaluable in helping India prepare for the crucial series against Australia.With the second Test of the BGT still several months away, Raman argues that there is ample time for Tendulkar to make a significant impact. He points out that the involvement of consultants has become increasingly common in modern cricket, and that Tendulkar's experience and knowledge would be a valuable asset to the Indian team.The BGT holds immense significance for India, as it falls at a pivotal moment in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 cycle. Australia and India currently occupy the top two spots in the WTC standings, but India's recent 3-0 loss to New Zealand has dented their chances of reaching the finals. A strong showing against Australia could reignite their WTC campaign.For veteran batter Virat Kohli, the BGT represents a critical juncture. Kohli's recent performances have been under scrutiny, particularly his struggles with spin in the New Zealand series and his absence from the domestic Duleep Trophy. The series could offer him a chance to silence critics, and the support of Tendulkar might help both Kohli and other players refine their batting approaches against Australia's formidable bowling lineup.The Indian team has already begun training at the WACA in Perth, under heavy security and privacy measures, to ensure a focused practice environment. If Tendulkar joins as a consultant, it could serve as a significant morale boost for the squad, given his extensive experience in Australian conditions.Raman's suggestion has generated mixed reactions from the cricket fraternity. Some experts believe that Tendulkar's involvement could be beneficial, while others argue that the team should focus on developing its own coaching staff. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to appoint Tendulkar as a consultant rests with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's premier off-spinner, is eagerly anticipating the upcoming 10-Test season, with the Bangladesh series next month marking his first under the guidance of new head coach Gautam Gambhir. Ashwin holds Gambhir in high regard, describing him as one of the "heroes" of Indian cricket."Gautam is someone I still share a very good relationship with," Ashwin said. "He's a very straightforward and honest guy. I think he's one of those guys that we should always be backing. He's a hero of Indian cricket."Ashwin's early cricketing journey was shaped by WV Raman, his first state team coach. Raman, who was also a contender for the India head coach role, played a pivotal role in Ashwin's development."People can give you a helping hand, but they cannot guide you through your career," Ashwin said. "You have to be open to fresh ideas. WV allowed me the freedom to express myself and try new things. He taught me how and on what path I need to travel, but he never said, 'This is the path you need to travel upon.'"Ashwin emphasized the importance of self-reliance in cricket. "If you don't have awareness of your own game and if you can't teach yourself, I think you are always going to be dependent on someone, which is a very dangerous part," he said. "I am not saying people with coaches don't do well in life, but there is a chance of selling yourself short."Ashwin believes that getting a second opinion is beneficial, but ultimately, cricket is a self-taught sport. "You have to be open to learning from others, but you also have to be able to trust your own instincts," he said.

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.

With the 2024 T20 World Cup approaching and current head coach Rahul Dravid set to step down after the tournament, the search for his successor has begun. Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir has emerged as a potential candidate, garnering support from former Indian women's team head coach WV Raman.Raman, who has witnessed Gambhir's leadership qualities firsthand, believes he possesses the necessary acumen and strategic thinking to excel as head coach. "Gautam Gambhir will definitely be somebody who knows what to do," Raman said. "He has been a good captain in the IPL and is a good strategist."Raman emphasized that a coach's success hinges on their ability to integrate with the team and adapt their strategies. "It's all about things coming together when you are coaching a side," he explained. "How quickly everybody settles down with the boys and the boys with his ways of doing things is key."In addition to Gambhir's potential appointment, Raman also praised wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik, who recently announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. Raman lauded Karthik's dedication and resilience throughout his career."Fantastic career. He must be proud of it," Raman said. "He's been extraordinarily entertaining and also someone who is highly dedicated to cricket and has overcome so many challenges in his life."Karthik's dynamic presence on and off the field has left a lasting impression, and Raman acknowledged his transition to a new career. "He's got another career straight away to get into. I wish him all the very best," Raman concluded.As the Indian cricket team prepares for the future, the appointment of a new head coach and the retirement of a veteran player mark significant milestones. Gautam Gambhir's potential appointment as head coach has sparked excitement, while Dinesh Karthik's retirement has brought a chapter to a close.

India's T20 World Cup Squad: Spinners Take Center StageFormer Indian opener WV Raman has endorsed the selection of four spinners in India's T20 World Cup squad, citing the nature of pitches in the West Indies and the recent performances in the IPL as key factors.India's squad for the ICC marquee event includes Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Yuzvendra Chahal. Raman believes that the inclusion of these spinners is a well-thought-out decision based on the conditions in the West Indies."The pitches in the West Indies are more conducive to spinners these days," Raman said. "The spinners have also done well in the IPL on good hard-flat tracks in India. This has prompted the selectors to think that you are better off with spinners rather than fast bowlers."In the IPL, Chahal took 18 wickets from 15 matches with an economy of 9.41, Kuldeep claimed 16 wickets with an economy of 8.65, Axar took 11 wickets at 7.65, and Jadeja secured 8 wickets at 7.85.Raman is optimistic about India's chances in the T20 World Cup. "We have a lot of brilliant cricketers who can be match-winners on their days," he said. "T20 is such a format where you need a bit of luck as well, especially in the knockouts, and that's where experience also counts, which we have aplenty in the side."Despite concerns over the narrow gap between the IPL and the T20 World Cup, Raman believes it will not affect the players. "Today's cricketers are fit enough and more or less used to playing non-stop. So, they will manage," he noted.India's campaign begins on Wednesday against Ireland in New York at the Nassau County Stadium. Raman supports the idea of expanding cricket to new destinations. "I think that is something that the ICC will consider. They will look at as many cost-effective measures and innovations to get more teams into the fold and venues under their bracket."