Gautam Gambhir talks about selection criteria in the Indian cricket team

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir recently held a media conference to discuss the series opener against Bangladesh at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. During the session on September 18, Gambhir fielded a variety of questions, showcasing his strategic insights and clarity of thought. As the team prepares for selection, some notable players, including Shreyas Iyer, Mohammed Shami, and Rajat Patidar, have been left out for various reasons. Despite these exclusions, Gambhir emphasized that the coaching staff does not perceive these decisions as "dropping" players. Instead, he stated that they focus on assembling the best possible playing combination based on current conditions and player fitness.

Gambhir's approach reflects a commitment to adaptability and teamwork, prioritizing performance over individual names. He underscored the importance of selecting a squad that can effectively tackle the challenges posed by a determined Bangladesh team. His insights highlight a thoughtful strategy as the players gear up for a crucial series, aiming to build momentum and confidence.

“I think the most important thing is clear communication. See, we don't drop anyone. We only select the best playing 11. We think and do the job for that particular Test match,” India head coach Gautam Gambhir said as quoted by The Telegraph.

In the media conference, Gautam Gambhir was also asked about his role as head coach and the relationships he has developed with key players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Having played alongside both Kohli and Rohit during his career, Gambhir noted that this former camaraderie has significantly eased the process of building a strong rapport with them in his coaching role.

He emphasized that mutual respect and understanding, forged through years of shared experiences on the field, have facilitated open communication. Gambhir believes that this relationship allows for a collaborative environment, where senior players feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and ideas. He highlighted the importance of fostering such dynamics within the team, especially when leading established players who have made significant contributions to Indian cricket. Gambhir's familiarity with Kohli and Rohit helps him tailor his coaching approach to their strengths, ensuring that they remain integral to the team’s strategy. As the team prepares for the Bangladesh series, this strong foundation will be vital in navigating challenges and aiming for success on the pitch.

“It’s still early days (as coach). But the good part is that I have played with those guys (seniors). At one stage we were sharing the dressing room as players, when they were younger, who have now become experienced guys,” Gambhir said in the pre-match press meet.

“When you have that kind of relationship, sometimes it gets much easier than building a relationship. Now the roles are different. The relationship we can build over a period of next couple of years. It's going to be very important, and now we should keep taking it a little bit forward because we've got massive challenges coming our way,” he added.