Gambhir: Dedicate Yourself to Red Ball Cricket by Playing Domestic Matches

File Pic Sydney, Jan 5: Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir expressed on Sunday that elite players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli still possess the “hunger to excel,” but emphasized the need for all senior players, including them, to participate in domestic matches to demonstrate their “commitment” to red-ball cricket. Gambhir, known for his straightforwardness, refrained…

File Pic

Sydney, Jan 5: Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir expressed on Sunday that elite players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli still possess the “hunger to excel,” but emphasized the need for all senior players, including them, to participate in domestic matches to demonstrate their “commitment” to red-ball cricket.

Gambhir, known for his straightforwardness, refrained from guaranteeing the future inclusion of Rohit and Kohli in the Test lineup. Both players struggled significantly during the recent Test series against Australia, which India lost 1-3, resulting in the loss of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and missing out on a World Test Championship final spot.

“It’s not the right time for me to speculate about where we will stand in five months. A lot can change in sports—form, personnel, attitudes; everything evolves. And five months is a considerable time,” Gambhir stated at the post-series press conference.

“We will see how things unfold before the England series in July. Whatever decisions we make will be in the best interest of Indian cricket,” affirmed the former opener.

Rohit managed a mere 31 runs in five innings before opting out of the playing eleven, while Kohli produced 190 runs over nine innings, including a second innings century after India gained a lead exceeding 300. Kohli’s notable shortcoming was his repeated dismissal off deliveries pitched outside the off stump.

When asked if he believes seniors should participate in at least one or two rounds of the Ranji Trophy starting January 23, Gambhir conveyed a clear stance.

“I would always support players engaging in domestic cricket. That’s how crucial domestic cricket is. If they are available and committed to red-ball cricket, everyone should participate,” Gambhir insisted.

“It’s straightforward. Neglecting domestic cricket will hinder our ability to find the players we need for Test cricket,” he elaborated.

Kohli’s last Ranji Trophy appearance was in 2012, while Rohit’s was during the 2015-16 season.
The ‘Ro-Ko’ Dilemma

The candid former player declined to delve into the speculated future of Kohli and Rohit, asserting that they are the best judges of their roles within Indian cricket.

“I cannot dictate the future of any player; that’s also up to them. However, I can attest to their ongoing hunger and passion—these are resilient individuals, and I hope they can continue to advance Indian cricket,” he noted.

“… Ultimately, whatever they choose, they will decide with the best interests of Indian cricket in mind.” He encouraged the star duo to introspect about their standings.

“Every individual must recognize their level of performance and passion—that’s vital in any sport or profession.

“It’s not solely about the sport; it’s about your determination, your enthusiasm, and understanding if the team is progressing through your contributions,” he explained.
I Need to be Fair to Everyone

In his pre-match press conference, Gambhir highlighted the importance of honesty within the dressing room. He reiterated this standpoint on Sunday, noting it is his responsibility to treat everyone fairly, regardless of experience or status.

“If I am fair to only a couple of individuals and not to the others, then I am being untrue to my role,” he stated.

“Whether it’s a player awaiting their debut or one with a century of Test matches under their belt, my goal is to maintain absolute fairness and equality,” he added.

During his tenure with Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants, Gambhir frequently emphasized the necessity of a positive dressing room atmosphere. He believes this philosophy extends to the national team as well.

“If we are dedicated to our cause with integrity, that should suffice. Moreover, to keep the dressing room harmonious, I must ensure honesty, equality, and fairness for everyone.”
Rohit Has Shown Accountability

Gambhir commended Rohit for stepping down from the fifth Test due to his poor form.

“If a leader opts for such a course, there should be no concerns. We discussed accountability, which starts from the top, and Rohit Sharma embodied that in the last match,” the 43-year-old remarked.
‘I Am the First to Accept Mistakes’

When posed with a question regarding acceptance of mistakes made during the tour, Gambhir quickly asserted that he never shies away from accountability.

“First and foremost, the person sitting here will own up to the mistakes. So, rest assured, mistakes will be acknowledged here,” he responded.


Most popular

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *