Gautam gambhir

BCCI in the quest to reintroduce bench strength grooming

Sat, 16 Nov 2024 05:21:54 GMT

The 0-3 whitewash at home against the Black Caps has raised alarm bells within the BCCI administration, compelling them to revisit their 'A' program which involves bolstering their bench strength for the top-tier Indian team. As per a recent report from TOI, National Cricket Academy (NCA) head VVS Laxman is reportedly devising a strategy to create a player resource pool.

The 'A' program worked as a charm under the supervision of former India head coach Rahul Dravid who used to tour with developmental teams throughout the year thereby offering the highest degree of exposure to young budding India cricketers.

The issues surrounding the 'A' program in the past

The 'A' program suffered a setback in the past following the advent of the Covid pandemic. These A tours presented a huge financial burden on the other boards as they refrained from sponsoring the India U-19 series and 'A' teams. Despite the pressing challenges, BCCI made concise efforts to organize a couple of shadow 'A' tours like the one that preceded India's Test tour of Australia.

"Other boards have communicated to the BCCI that they can't bear the expenses of an 'A' tour. The BCCI has still tried to organize a couple of shadow 'A' tours like the one which precedes India's Test tour of Australia. Laxman is working on it to come up with a plan that will offer greater exposure to the next generation of cricketers," a source said.

The major reason behind several boards' reluctance to host the 'A' tours vastly stems from the financial implications. These tours do not generate any revenue and all the expenses have to be incurred by the local boards which makes the 'A' program a highly unsustainable prospect in the long run. Laxman will have a tricky task at hand and needs to find a viable solution to make these tours more affordable.

A look into India's most recent 'A' tour

India featured in an 'A' series earlier this year against the England Lions prior to the start of the five-match Test series against England. That series offered an all-round view to the selectors on the players' current standing which in turn provided a baseline for them to make suitable selections ahead of the competitive Test series.

Moreover, the 'A' program also came into focus in India's previous BGT outing down under where the likes of Siraj, Thaku, Saini, and Sundar all of whom stepped up in the absence of senior players. These players were the by-product of the 'A' series that was scheduled just before the start of the series. On the back of some formidable performances in the 'A' series, these budding youngsters were able to book their place in the Indian playing Xl which subsequently triumphed under dire conditions to clinch the series by 2-1.

'Gautam Gambhir is already frightened' - Ricky Ponting takes a fresh jibe ahead of BGT

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 06:51:10 GMT

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, on Wednesday, took another jibe at India head coach Gautam Gambhir as their feud continued over his comments on Virat Kohli's form heading into the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as well. Reiterating his “prickly character” remark, Ricky Ponting said a “frightened” Gautam Gambhir only took a jibe at him in the wake of India's Test series whitewash at home against New Zealand earlier this month as well.

Virat Kohli had a poor series against New Zealand

Speaking on the podcast show 'The Run Home with Joel & Fletch,' hours after clarifying his statement on Kohli's form, Ponting said, “I'm not sure if I mentioned a couple of them, but I reckon he's just throwing me in the deep end, trying to find their two most experienced and make sure when they come out, they put that back on me.”

Ricky Ponting concerned about Virat Kohli's form

“I was asked the other night if I was concerned about Virat Kohli's form. A day before, I had read his stats from the last five years, so it was clear in my mind. I think he made only two (three) centuries in the last five years. His average in India is now down to 30 from 90, during this period. So yes, I would be concerned. And I said if you ask him about his form, he would be concerned because it is nowhere near what it used to be. But then I said since he loves playing in Australia and has a great record here, so if there ever was a tour where he could turn things around, it would be this. But they never talked about the second part. Then Gambhir went and faced the press having just lost against New Zealand. The hair on the back of his neck is already standing up. We got a bit of history as well, but he took a chance to fire back at me,” he concluded.

Details of 6 hours review meeting reveals after India's heartbreaking 0-3 defeat against NZ

Sat, 09 Nov 2024 07:30:34 GMT

The BCCI has conducted a review meeting of India's shock 0-3 debacle against New Zealand where the selection of rank turner for the Mumbai Test, resting the pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and head coach Gautam Gambhir's coaching style were discussed. Captain Rohit Sharma, chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gambhir attended along with BCCI secretary Jay Shah and president Roger Binny where Gambhir joined the meeting online. It has been learnt that the questions were asked about certain decisions taken by them during the series as well.

There were also discussions about Gautam Gambhir's style of coaching which is very different from the earlier head coach Rahul Dravid and how the team is getting used to it.

Team India faced a shocking 0-3 series defeat to New Zealand

"It was a six hour marathon meeting which was obviously on cards after such a debacle. India are going on a tour of Australia and the BCCI would obviously like to ensure that the team is back on track and would like to know how the think-tank (Gambhir-Rohit-Agarkar) are going about it," a senior BCCI source privy to development told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

Jasprit Bumrah didn't play the third Test

"Bumrah's absence was discussed although it was a precautionary move. Opting for a rank turner despite India not faring well on these tracks are some of the issues that came up for discussion," the source informed.

However, it can't be confirmed whether Gautam Gambhir's coaching style was questioned or not but it is understood that a few suggested that the Indian team think tank isn't on the same page with the head coach as well. Meanwhile, the selections of T20 specialist all-rounder Nitish Reddy and rookie pace bowler Harshit Rana, with only 10 matches in Ranji Trophy have not been unnoticed as well.

Notably, the Indian team will be leaving for Australia in two batches on November 10 and 11 as well.

BCCI mulling to take strict action against Gautam Gambhir following an annihilating series whitewash

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 06:11:12 GMT

Gautam Gambhir has found himself in the eye of the storm lately following a crashing Test series defeat at the hands of the Kiwis. Under his mentorship, India has gone on to register some embarrassing records. From losing an ODI series for the first time to Sri Lanka in 27 years to being whitewashed in a three or more match series at home, Gambhir has let himself and his team down badly.

While the players have been at the epicenter of heightened criticism, Gambhir’s role in the recently concluded New Zealand test series is also being reviewed under a microscope. According to emerging reports from PTI, Gambhir’s fate as the Indian head team coach depends on how his side fares in the forthcoming India tour to Australia later this month.

In the upcoming five-match Test series, the wounded Indian team would not only look to retain their title but also compete fiercely to get back in the WTC race. After a horrendous 0-3 defeat, India’s standing in the WTC points table has been severely jeopardized.

So what does the BCCI plan to do now?

As per BCCI guidelines, head coaches have no role to play in team selection. Gambhir’s predecessors, Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid long advised the board to involve the head coach in selection matters. But their requests were turned down, however, an expectation was made in Gambhir’s case considering the importance of the Australia tour.

It is this special power that the BCCI is likely to snatch from Gambhir unless there is a remarkable change in fortunes for team India. The report further states that amidst such a disastrous tenure, Gambhir may not be given a free hand in selection matters any longer. Moreover, the report also points out some major concerns against the 43-year-old.

Gambhir’s inclination towards having a rank turner at a time when the Indian batters have been in woeful form against the spin to send Siraj as a nightwatchman, a move that triggered a collapse late on day one, are some of the major concerns that were highlighted in the report.

Gambhir has been significantly involved in the selection process since his appointment in July this year. His presence contributed to Suryakumar Yadav's ascension over Hardik Pandya in the competition for the T20I captaincy of India following Rohit Sharma's retirement from this format. Moreover, Gambhir made some heads turn when he expressed his desire to handpick Harshit Rana for the Australia Test series despite having played only nine First-Class games.

Gautam Gambhir reveals about Jasprit Bumrah's workload management

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 11:52:46 GMT

India's Star Pacer Jasprit Bumrah's workload management has been the most trending topic as he has been crucial for Team India in all three formats.

Bumrah has been known for his unique bowling action and ability to bowl yorkers but he has to deal with some injury issues as well. Those back issues made him miss some key series and tournaments in 2022 and 2023.

To ensure Bumrah's workload management, India's Cricket management and the Board Of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have adopted a more careful approach, regarding his participation in matches across the format.

Head Coach Gautam Gambhir on Bumrah's workload management

Head Coach Gambhir addressed a press conference in Pune on Wednesday and said that the team will decide on Bumrah's workload after the second Test against New Zealand. India will decide on resting Star Pacer after the second test after he has played all three tests at home so far and Australia Tour which is less than a month away.

Gambhir further added, "Once the series is over, we still have around 10 to 12 days before the First Test starts in Australia. He believes it is enough break for the fast bowlers but still, they will see where Jasprit Bumrah stands after this Test."

"It is not only about Bumrah but other fast bowlers as well. We want to keep all of them as fresh as it is a long and important Australia tour. Workload Management depends on this Test and how much they have bowled in this Test."

Jasprit Bumrah's comeback during Asia Cup 2023 and World Cup 2023 participation showed that workload management and injury prevention have been prioritized to ensure his availability for key matches and reduce injury risks.

R Ashwin decodes difference between Rahul Dravid and Gautam Gambhir

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 06:00:17 GMT

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir tasted his first success in the longer format as India beat Bangladesh in the first Test convincingly. After Rahul Dravid's tenure ended after the team won the 2024 T20 World Cup, Gambhir took the reins. And, after the ongoing Bangladesh Test series, India will play New Zealand and Australia in the longer format as well. And, Ravichandran Ashwin will be important for India as well. Before that, Ashwin described how Gambhir and Dravid are different as head coaches.

'I think Gambhir is very relaxed' - R Ashwin

"I think he (Gambhir) is very relaxed. There is nothing at all. In the morning, in the huddle. 'Are you coming?' Like that. Rahul Bhai is like, we will come. As soon as we come, the bottles should be in a place. He is very regimented. He is like, everything should be in order, according to him. He has a relaxed order. I feel that he captures the minds of the people. He loves the boys. He is not only relaxed," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

However, R Ashwin expressed his gratitude towards the crowd for their support throughout the 1st India vs Bangladesh Test match in Chennai. He also added that this was one of the best Test pitches he has played on in India so far and also urged curators to create similar pitches for Tamil Nadu's Ranji Trophy games as well.

"Easily one of the best cricket pitches I have played in India" - R Ashwin

"The crowd was so passionate about watching the match," Ashwin said.

"Easily one of the best cricket pitches I have played in India for a while. Awesome pitch and I really hope Tamil Nadu play Ranji Trophy on such pitches. The way they have laid the pitch, they should take it to the next level. Outstanding Test match wicket. Earlier, there was a curator named Pacha. He said. 'sir the wicket will be good for the fast bowlers in the morning'. The batting will be easy. Then it will turn and the match will be over'. But like he said, the first day, there will be bounce," R Ashwin concluded.

WATCH: Gautam Gambhir reacts as Ravichandran Ashwin hits a brilliant cut shot

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 09:54:15 GMT

Veteran India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin came to bat in the second session of Day 1 of the ongoing first Test against Bangladesh at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Put into bat first, Team India faced trouble with a few quick dismissals, courtesy of a stunning bowling show of the visitors. Their lines and lengths troubled Indian batters, especially Hasan Mahmud, who provided the early breakthroughs.

India lost Rohit Sharma (6), Virat Kohli (6) and Shubman Gill very cheaply. After that, Yashasvi Jaiswal (56) and Rishabh Pant (39) steadied the ship and ensured that they didn't lose any more wickets in the first session of Day 1 as well. However in the second session, both the set batters failed to keep the momentum along with KL Rahul (16). And, their dismissals caused Ravichandran Ashwin to walk out in the middle. The off-spinner came out to bat in the 43rd over on home ground as well.

Gautam Gambhir impressed with R Ashwin's shot

However, Ravichandran Ashwin has played a positive brand of cricket so far. He has also played quite a few shots in his short innings so far, hitting a few boundaries and scoring quickly as well. Notably, he hit the cut shot that he played against Nahid Rana which also impressed the head coach Gautam Gambhir, who was in the dugout. It happened on the last ball of the 44th over when the speedster bowled a 144.2kph as well.

Here's the video:

Perfection guaranteed when Ashwin is at the crease 👌#INDvBAN #IDFCFirstBankTestSeries #JioCinemaSports pic.twitter.com/uERPJBXpyI
— JioCinema (@JioCinema) September 19, 2024

You can't call them an underdog anymore - R Ashwin on Bangladesh

However, ahead of the game, Ravichandran Ashwin opined about the challenge against Bangladesh, sharing that the opposition has done well and they cannot be taken as underdogs. He also showed his delight to face the team as well.

He stated: "Certainly, they (Bangladesh) have put their hand up and said, 'Look, we are a team on the rise, and we are playing wonderful cricket.' I watched some of those clips (vs Pakistan); it wasn't live in India, but it truly an exceptional result for the Bangladeshi cricket team."

"I am one of those guys who loves to see the underdog come out and perform. You can't call them an underdog anymore, they have played some wonderful cricket. They challenged us in Bangladesh when we were there the last time. Really looking forward to a good series." He concluded.

Kohli and Gambhir’s insightful mentorship revealed for this young player

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 09:22:07 GMT

Yashasvi Jaiswal, India’s rising star in Test cricket, is facing the challenges that come with the much-dreaded second season after a phenomenal debut. As India gears up for their Test series against Bangladesh starting September 19, Jaiswal has been training hard in the nets, going up against none other than the formidable Jasprit Bumrah. The young batter, however, struggled against Bumrah’s pace and swing during the net session, raising concerns about his readiness for the upcoming tests, especially with tougher overseas assignments on the horizon.

Jaiswal faces heat from Bumrah in the net
During India’s net practice session, Jaiswal found himself repeatedly undone by Bumrah's lethal deliveries. The young batter, who is often seen as India’s future cricketing megastar, was left searching for his off-stump as Bumrah clean-bowled him twice and regularly beat the outside edge of his bat. Even practice bowlers Simarjeet Singh and Gurnoor Brar managed to trouble him, with deliveries testing his patience and technique. Jaiswal struggled to find his form, showing visible discomfort against pace, bounce, and swing.

Kohli and Jaiswal work together to overcome challenge
Amidst these struggles, the legendary Virat Kohli was seen offering guidance to Jaiswal, providing advice on where he might be going wrong. Both batters spent nearly an hour in the nets, with Jaiswal working on leaving deliveries and adjusting his technique. Kohli, known for his solid game against pace, also faced challenges from Bumrah but responded with his trademark cover drives. Jaiswal, while more comfortable against spinners, continues to refine his game ahead of the critical Test series, where tougher tests like Australia await later in the season.

'Politics win', Gautam Gambhir blasted as India not picking Sanju Samson for the first T20I

Sat, 27 Jul 2024 16:15:57 GMT

The three-match T20I series between India and Sri Lanka began on Saturday, July 27, in Pallekele. Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bowl first against the world champions.

New captains lead the way

This match starts a new chapter for both teams as they have new T20I captains. Suryakumar Yadav has taken over from Rohit Sharma as India’s T20I captain after Rohit retired from the format. Charith Asalanka is the new captain for Sri Lanka, following Wanindu Hasaranga’s resignation after their poor T20 World Cup performance, where they didn’t advance past the group stage.

“We are going to bowl first. The pitch looks good, and we want to see how it plays. We’re going with a 6-5 batters-bowlers combination. I want to give each player specific roles, so we’re using five bowlers. You can expect more wins and consistency,” said Asalanka after winning the toss.

Shivam Dube and Sanju Samson left out

India’s new team management surprised everyone with their team selection. Allrounder Shivam Dube and star batter Sanju Samson were left out of the Playing XI for the series opener. Dube played in all eight of India’s games at the T20 World Cup last month, and Samson was also part of the squad.

Despite some good performances, Dube seems to need to prove himself to the new management. Instead of Dube, the team has given young Riyan Parag another chance to shine in international cricket.

Twitter reactions:

Gautam Gambhir's favorite Sanju Samson isn't playing in the xi 😂😂
Rishabh Pant trial run continues. What a lucky guy🙌 pic.twitter.com/HDhAIzHnQS
— Archer (@poserarcher) July 27, 2024

100+ runs and top scorer in India's last ODI match

50+ runs and top scorer in India's last T20 match

Only to be dropped for the very next match

There hasn't been any player in Indian Cricket history who has been treated like this way than Sanju Samson 🙏🏻

Pure injustice pic.twitter.com/noJeykebWb
— Sanju Samson Fans Page (@SanjuSamsonFP) July 27, 2024

Sanju Samson didn't get a place in the playing XI but Riyan Parag got it. Hmm pic.twitter.com/dEUvd5WpX9
— Vishal. (@SPORTYVISHAL) July 27, 2024

Rishabh Pant in his entire World Cup : 0 Half Centuries

Sanju Samson in last 2 games : 1 Half Century

It’s sad how favouritism and professional bootlicking with a pinch of sympathy can ruin someone’s career pic.twitter.com/5kHBUgqG74
— Chinmay Shah (@chinmayshah28) July 27, 2024

At this point, I agree that there is some big politics running behind Sanju Samson. pic.twitter.com/7rX2R1t83Z
— Selfless⁴⁵ (@SelflessRohit) July 27, 2024

Justice for Sanju Samson https://t.co/4QJSrT0vTf
— Nevin (@nevinthomas) July 27, 2024

Like this tweet if you think Sympathy Merchant Rishabh Pant doesn't deserve to play T20Is over Sanju Samson for India.

RT this tweet if you feel he should be kicked out of all white ball formats & Samson/Dhruv Jurel should be selected in T20Is/ODIs.#INDvsSL pic.twitter.com/kTpycTh6rx
— 𝐊𝐡𝐚𝐧 𓅋 (@Itsmesany_) July 27, 2024

It's painful that Sanju Samson is not playing but this shameless pant getting regular chances over him after so many failures is blood boiling 🤬 pic.twitter.com/Hpj9q4RD0q
— Shiv Rajawat🇮🇳 (@_SSRajawat) July 27, 2024

Choosing Riyan Parag instead of Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube 😭

Gambhir's First Assignment 🤝🤡 pic.twitter.com/hFmlKnZY7l
— Nicky (@iemnic) July 27, 2024

Watch: Rahul Dravid's touching message leaves Gautam Gambhir emotional ahead of 1st T20I against Sri Lanka

Sat, 27 Jul 2024 06:04:07 GMT

As Gautam Gambhir steps into his new role as Team India’s head coach, he received a heartfelt surprise message from his predecessor, Rahul Dravid, ahead of the first T20I against Sri Lanka. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared a video in which Dravid conveyed his best wishes, sharing valuable insights and experiences from his own tenure as head coach. Dravid’s message was filled with warmth and encouragement, welcoming Gambhir to what he described as the “most exciting job in the world.”

Dravid reflects on Gambhir’s coaching journey

In his message, Dravid praised Gambhir’s achievements and dedication, reflecting on his time as a coach and mentor for various Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises. He expressed confidence in Gambhir’s ability to lead the national team, noting his strategic acumen and passion for the game. Dravid’s insights were not only about the technical aspects of coaching but also touched on the importance of fostering a positive team environment and the need for emotional resilience.

𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 & 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲! 📝

To,
Gautam Gambhir ✉

From,
Rahul Dravid 🔊#TeamIndia | #SLvIND | @GautamGambhir pic.twitter.com/k33X5GKHm0
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 27, 2024

“From one Indian cricket coach to another, one last thing. In the most heated of times, exhale, take a step back, and even if it’s difficult for you, crack a smile. Whatever else happens, that will shock people. I wish you the very best, Gautam, and I’m sure you will take the Indian team to even greater heights,” Dravid concluded.

Gambhir’s emotional response

Overwhelmed by Dravid’s thoughtful gesture, Gautam Gambhir admitted that the message made him emotional. Dravid’s words of wisdom and encouragement struck a chord with Gambhir, reminding him of the legacy he is set to inherit. In his message, Dravid humorously urged Gambhir to remember to smile, even during challenging times, a reminder of the camaraderie they shared during their playing days. Gambhir’s response highlighted his respect for Dravid and his determination to carry forward the successful path paved by his predecessor.

“Not me, not individuals, but what Indian cricket is. I feel, I think, I don’t get too much emotional normally, but I think this message actually made me a lot emotional, which normally I assume, but it’s a great message. Hopefully, I can… It’s a massive shoes to fill. Hopefully, I can do it with absolute honesty, transparency, and hopefully, I can make the entire nation, and more importantly, the person who I’ve always looked up to, Rahul Bhai Proud,” he said.

The exchange between Dravid and Gambhir reflects not only the transition of leadership within the Indian cricket team but also the deep bonds and mutual respect that exist among former teammates. As Gambhir embarks on this new chapter, the legacy and support of his predecessors will undoubtedly guide him in leading Team India to new heights.