Gautam Gambhir’s international coaching journey has been anything but smooth. Despite India’s successes in the T20I series against Sri Lanka in August and a subsequent Test series victory over Bangladesh at home, challenges soon followed. The team stumbled in the ODI series against Sri Lanka, and its most significant setback came last week when India suffered a 0-3 defeat in a home Test series against New Zealand.
But Gambhir has made it clear that the setbacks won’t change his approach.
“The only conversation I have had — be it with the seniors, the experienced players, or the youngsters — is to keep Indian cricket ahead of any other thing. To keep the team ahead of their personal milestones,” Gambhir said on Monday, ahead of the team’s departure to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
“Because that is what team sports are all about, and that is how team sports are meant to be played. I’m sure this is something that will continue to happen in the future as well. We will keep having the same conversation. It’s about the ‘team first’ ideology and philosophy, compared to anything else,” he added.
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“When you start talking about or thinking about the team — whether it’s a spell where you have to be boring at times, that unbelievable catch, or playing through a session — I think all the other things can take a back seat,” Gambhir said, adding, “And that is something we will keep talking to the youngsters and everyone in the dressing room about, because that’s how we want to be seen: absolutely selfless and, more importantly, absolutely positive.”
Before taking up the job, Gambhir knew the high expectations that came with the role. Having played at the highest level for many years, he understands what it takes to manage pressure. “What difference does social media make in my life and for that matter, anyone’s life? When I took up this job, I always knew that it was going to be a highly difficult job and a highly prestigious job as well.
“And honestly, I don’t think I am feeling the heat because my job is to be absolutely honest and there are some incredibly tough people in that dressing room who have achieved some great things for the country and will continue to achieve some great things for the country,” Gambhir said on the backlash that he and the team has faced following the defeat against New Zealand.
India will have about 10 days before the first Test against Australia begins in Perth, and Gambhir believes adaptability will be the key. “The first and foremost challenge is obviously the conditions because when you play at home in India compared to when you play in Australia, the conditions are completely different.
“We have got a lot of experienced players who have been to Australia many times. So, their experience will definitely come in handy for the young players as well. These 10 days are going to be very crucial, but come the morning of November 22nd, we should be absolutely ready and firing from ball one…”
Talking about a congested international calendar, the coach said it’s up to the BCCI and the ICC to look into the issue. “Whatever is in front of me, we are going to try and give our best. I’m not going to say whether it’s ideal or not, but that’s the way life is. And this is not only the case with Indian cricket, but with many other teams as well. Look at Australia. Australia is playing T20s ahead of the five Test matches as well,” he added.
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