‘Trust, freedom, success’ – Gambhir lays out his coaching philosophy

India has seen significant success in recent years under the guidance of Rahul Dravid, making finals in all three formats and securing the T20 World Cup title. As the baton passes to Gautam Gambhir, the new head coach understands the weight of the expectations and the legacy he inherits. Speaking to reporters for the first time in his new role, Gambhir emphasized his philosophy and approach towards coaching the Indian cricket team.

“It is important to give players freedom – that’s what I believe in – and not have a relationship of a head coach and a player,” Gambhir stated. This perspective highlights his commitment to fostering a positive and trust-based environment within the team. Gambhir aims to build on the solid foundation laid by his predecessors and lead India to continued success.

A Relationship Built on Trust

Gambhir’s approach to coaching is centered around building trust and giving players the freedom to express themselves on the field. He believes that the best relationship between a coach and a player is one built on mutual trust and respect. “The best relationship is one built on trust. The most important thing is they’ll always have my backing. I don’t complicate too many things,” he explained.

Taking over a team that has recently been crowned T20 World Champions and has been runners-up in the World Test Championship and the 50-over World Cup, Gambhir acknowledges the high standards and expectations. His focus will be on maintaining a winning and happy dressing room, ensuring that players feel secure and supported in their roles.

Emphasizing Winning and Team Happiness

Gambhir’s coaching philosophy is simple yet effective: focus on winning while ensuring the team’s happiness. “My learning has been simple – it has been all about winning,” he said. “A happy dressing room is a winning dressing room. Ultimately it is the players’ team, the support staff is there to try and get the maximum out of their potential.”

Gambhir recognizes the pressures and insecurities that come with international cricket, where only 15 players can be picked for the squad. His role, along with the support staff, will be to create an environment where players can thrive and perform to their best abilities, keeping them motivated and happy even in tough times.

Transition to Head Coach

Gambhir’s tenure as head coach begins with India’s white-ball tour of Sri Lanka on July 27. This marks his first time in the head coach role, although he has previously served as a mentor in the IPL for both Lucknow Super Giants and the reigning champions Kolkata Knight Riders. As an opening batter with an international career spanning 13 years, Gambhir’s experience and insights will be invaluable to the team.

“For batters, if they can play consistently and if they are in good form, [they] might as well play all the games. With Rohit and Virat now not playing T20 cricket, they only have two formats to look after. So they are going to be available for most of the games,” Gambhir noted, underscoring his belief in consistent play for batters to maintain form and confidence.

Support Staff and Team Composition

Gambhir will be supported by a team of experienced coaches, including Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate as assistant coaches, and Sairaj Bahutule as the bowling coach. T Dilip, who reprises his role from the previous regime, will serve as the fielding coach. Gambhir mentioned that the remaining support staff members would be finalized after the Sri Lanka tour.

“In the past, Gambhir has not been an advocate of players picking and choosing matches,” a point that aligns with his belief in the importance of consistent play for maintaining form. With key players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli selected for the ODIs against Sri Lanka, Gambhir emphasizes the need for batters to be available for most games, given their limited involvement in T20 cricket.

Workload Management and Fast Bowlers

While Gambhir advocates for consistent play for batters, he acknowledges the importance of workload management, particularly for fast bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah. “Workload management for someone like Jasprit Bumrah is important,” Gambhir said. “For Bumrah, because he is one rare kind of a bowler who anyone would want [in their team], so it’s our responsibility to try and have him fresh for most of the important games.”

Gambhir’s balanced approach to player management ensures that the team remains competitive while also considering the physical demands on players. His understanding of the nuances of international cricket and the need for strategic player rotation will be crucial in maintaining the team’s performance and longevity.

Looking Ahead: A Promising Future

As Gambhir steps into his new role, he brings with him a wealth of experience, a clear vision, and a commitment to building a supportive and successful team environment. His focus on trust, player freedom, and consistent performance aligns with the high standards set by his predecessors. With a strong support staff and a talented roster of players, the future of Indian cricket under Gambhir’s leadership looks promising.

India’s upcoming tour of Sri Lanka will be the first test of Gambhir’s coaching strategies and his ability to lead the team to continued success. With his emphasis on a happy and winning dressing room, trust-based relationships, and strategic player management, Gambhir is poised to make a significant impact on Indian cricket. The cricketing world will be watching closely as this new chapter unfolds, eager to see how Gambhir’s leadership shapes the future of the team.

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