New Delhi: New India head coach Gautam Gambhir is aware he has to live up to Rahul Dravid’s T20 World Cup winning legacy and said he would not look to tamper with an already successful team.
In his first media interaction after taking over from Dravid, Gambhir said he would ensure not to complicate things.
“I am taking over a very, very successful team. T20 World champions, runners-up in the WTC and ODI World Cup,” Gambhir said, whose tenure begins with a white-ball series in Sri Lanka on July 27.
“I don’t like complicating thing and ultimately it is player’s team with our job is to make players happy.”
The former opener also clarified that he has spoken to Virat Kohli and expects him and Rohit Sharma to be available for most of the matches now that they have announced their retirement from T20I.
“My relationship with Virat Kohli is between two of us and not for TRP. Now that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will play only two formats, I expect them to be available for most games,” Gambhir said.
The former left hand batter said he still have got it to deliver in the top tournaments like Champions Trophy, to be played next year and the 2027 ODI World Cup if they can maintain their fitness.
“I think they have shown what they can deliver on the big stage, whether it’s the T20 World Cup or the 50-over World Cup. Both those guys have a lot of cricket left in them.
“Champions Trophy is coming up, a big Test series is coming up in Australia. They will be motivated for the Champions Trophy and if they can keep their fitness, they can play the 2027 World Cup,” Gambhir said.
He added that he will make greater efforts to manage the workload for “someone like Jasprit Bumrah” as it is “important” to keep the pace ace fit, adding that he is happy with the BCCI, who has agreed with most things he asked for.
“The crux of the support staff will remain as they are. “The rest of the staff will be finalised after the Sri Lanka tour. (For now) Abhishek and Ryan as assistant coach. T Dilip will continue as fielding coach. Sairaj Bahutule as interim bowling coach for the Sri Lanka tour,” Gambhir revealed.
In his first media interaction after taking over from Rahul Dravid, new India head coach Gautam Gambhir said he would ensure not to complicate things. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
