India’s newly appointed head coach, Gautam Gambhir, on July 22, 2024, spoke on his much talked about equation with modern-day great Virat Kohli. Here’s what he said, “One thing I can be clear of is that both of those guys (Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli) have a lot of cricket left in them. More importantly, with the champion trophy and a big tour to Australia they would be motivated enough” said Gautam Gambhir.
“At the time of the 2027, world cup, Rohit Sharma will be 40 years old, while Kohli will be 38. However, Gambhir did not rule them out of his plans for the World Cup. Hopefully, if they can keep their fitness, the 2027 World Cup as well”
The Indian cricket team, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir, arrives in Sri Lanka for their upcoming series. Gautam Gambhir and Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar appeared in a press conference ahead of his first series as India’s head coach, the tour of Sri Lanka. While Rohit Sharma is leading the ODI side, Surya Kumar Yadav has been named captain of the T20 team. Shubham Gill was named vice-captain in both formats. Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar gave clarity regarding the appointment of Suryakumar Yadav as T20I captain over Hardik Pandya and announced Abhishek Nayar and Ryan Ten Doeschate as India’s assistant coaches.
When Mohammad Shami Come Back?
India’s star fast bowler Mohammed Shami has been out of action since the ODI World Cup last year due to in injury. Agarkar confirmed that all efforts are being made to get Shami back for the Test series against Bangladesh in September.
“He has started to bowl. The first Test is on 19th September. That was always the goal [him making a comeback by that time]. Whether he can make it back to the squad by that time, I’ll have to speak with the guys at the NCA,” Agarkar said.
What about Hardik Pandya?
“Hardik Pandya is still a very important player for our team. We want hardik to be the player that he can be because those sorts of skill sets are very difficult to find,” Agarkar said.
“Fitness, obviously, has been a challenge for him over the last few years and then it becomes a little bit more difficult for him and even as selectors,” the chief selector said, adding that Pandya has been filled in with the change of role.
'Jadeja's future matches' as discussed in Gautam Gambhir press conference
Ravindra Jadeja was among the senior pros, who announced his retirement from the T20. The spinner, who has also proved his handiness with the bat on numerous matches, was not considered for the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka, which led to speculations about his international future.
Agarkar said: “With an intense Test schedule awaiting the Indian team, the selection committee preferred to give Ravindra Jadeja a break by not selecting him for the ODI series against Sri Lanka, Agarkar confirmed that the spin-bowling all-rounder wasn’t dropped from the team.
“I think we should have clarified this when we announced the squad. He hasn’t been dropped (but rested). There are a lot of Test series coming up, and he will be playing a lot of those.”
'Gambhir on relationship with Kohli' discussed in Gautam Gambhir press conference
“Very good for the TRPs (his run-ins with Kohli in the IPL) but my relationship with him is not public. On the field, everyone will fight for their own team. At the moment, we are representing India. I share a very good relationship. I have had lots of chances to talk to him. It is not important what we discuss. The most important thing is we both have to work hard to make India proud. He is a thorough professional, a world-class player, and that is going to continue.”
