Gautam Gambhir was appointed the new head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team on June 9, replacing Rahul Dravid, whose tenure expired earlier this month. As he takes over this critical role, Gambhir has been in consultation as he seeks to assemble his choice of support staff. He said for the role of the batting coach, newly retired Indian all-rounder Abhishek Nayar would be ideal, while for the role of the bowling coach, it should be between two former Indian pace bowlers R Vinay Kumar or Lakshmipathy Balaji.
It is being reported that while having initial talks, both Kumar and Balaji were turned down by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Gambhir also proposed that former Netherlands cricketer Ryan ten Doeschate become their fielding coach and South African fast bowler Morne Morkel become their bowling coach. But even these nominations were turned down by BCCI.
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Historically, the BCCI has allowed the head coach to decide on the members of his support staff. More significantly, even the likes of Greg Chappell, Gary Kirsten, Anil Kumble, Ravi Shastri, and Rahul Dravid were allowed to get their way. This begs the question: Why is Gambhir being stopped from doing so?
🚨 Breaking: Gautam Gambhir is likely to be accompanied by NCA support staff for the Sri Lanka tour. The BCCI has not finalised any name for the support staff apart from Abhishek Nayar.#SAvIND @rohitjuglan
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) July 17, 2024
A report from the Economic Times has it that the BCCI has refused to purchase all the suggestions of Gambhir and make some sort of firm offer. Gambhir may have been their chosen man for the head coach, but the final decisions will rest with the BCCI.
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Gambhir will step into his role at the end of this month when India travels to Sri Lanka for a series. The Men in Blue will play three T20Is and as many ODIs against the host nation, Sri Lanka. The three T20Is are pencilled in on July 27, 28, and 30 in Pallekele, while three ODIs are in Colombo on August 2, 4, and 7. This is going to be Gambhir’s first major assignment in the new role, and therefore, the dynamics between him and the BCCI remain to be seen.
