Kohli & Rohit's selection uncertain after 2025 Champions Trophy? Gambhir's makes bold demands for India coach role
In a significant development for Indian cricket, Gautam Gambhir has been strongly linked with the position of head coach for the Indian men's cricket team. With Rahul Dravid's contract set to expire after the ongoing T20 World Cup, Gambhir emerged as the only candidate for the role, according to multiple reports. The former India opener recently appeared before the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), presenting his vision and demands for the team.
Gambhir's key conditions for coaching job
Navbharat Times has reported that Gambhir laid down five key conditions during his interview with the CAC. Firstly, Gambhir insisted on having complete control over the team's cricketing operations, free from any interference from the board. This autonomy is crucial for him to implement his strategies effectively.
Secondly, the two-time World Cup winner expressed his desire to select his own support staff. This includes appointing his choices for the batting, fielding, and bowling coaches, ensuring a cohesive team management structure.
A notable third condition put forth by Gambhir concerns the performance of four senior players: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, and Mohammad Shami. Gambhir stated that the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan would be the final opportunity for these veterans to secure a win for India. Failure to do so would result in their exclusion from the team, although it remains unclear whether this would apply to all formats of the game.
Gambhir's fourth condition involves establishing a separate team for Test cricket, emphasizing a focused and specialized approach for the longest format of the game.
Lastly, Gambhir intends to start preparing a roadmap for the 2027 ODI World Cup from the onset, ensuring long-term planning and development for the team's success in the future.
The implications of Gambhir's conditions are significant, particularly regarding the futures of Kohli and Rohit, whose roles have already been under scrutiny. India's potential participation in the World Test Championship final next year adds another layer of complexity, as the performance in this tournament could influence selection decisions.
T20 World Cup 2024 & Zimbabwe tour?
In the interim, India will play a five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe post the T20 World Cup 2024, with VVS Laxman likely to take temporary charge. Laxman previously led the team during the Ireland series.
Also Read:?Exploring every scenario: How India could still face elimination from the T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8
Currently, the Indian team, captained by Rohit Sharma, is enjoying a successful run in the T20 World Cup 2024 in the US and West Indies. They are set to face Australia in their final Super 8 game at St Lucia. The squad for the T20 World Cup 2024 includes: Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (w), Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal, Sanju Samson, Mohammed Siraj, and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
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