Team India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir is recognized by his aggressive style and no-nonsense approach, both on the field and off. That competitive spirit has carried over into his coaching career, where he also keeps reinforcing the message of discipline, intention, and responsibility particularly when playing for India overseas.
Throughout the current England tour, Gambhir’s trademark grit was evident again. Telling interview to Cheteshwar Pujara on Day 1 of the third Test at Lord’s, the old opener left no doubt about the fact that the team is in England not for entertainment. “Family matters, of course,” Gambhir conceded, explaining his short trip back home prior to the Leeds Test to care for his sick mother.
“But we should keep in mind why we’re here. This is not a holiday.”. We’re here for a larger cause. Not many get the chance to play for India, we have to make it worthwhile.”
A Pivotal Series for Gambhir
Since becoming head coach last year, Gambhir has been responsible for reviving India’s declining fortunes in Test cricket. The England series has been a critical test of his leadership, particularly after India struggled in the first match. Nevertheless, the team staged a resolute comeback with a spirited Edgbaston victory, indicating a possible change under his leadership.
The tour’s importance is not lost on Gambhir. It’s about more than cricket for him – it’s about bringing pride back to the Test match and establishing a new direction for Indian cricket.
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Defending the Edgbaston Declaration
Gambhir was also steadfast in his much-talked-about move of stalling India’s second-innings declaration in the Edgbaston Test, an act that had left pundits raising their eyebrows. For him, the intention was to put pressure on England and drive them out of the game altogether.
We wanted to make England play on our terms,” he said. “We wanted to test whether they could last 100 overs on the last day. They were bowled out for only 271 in the end, and we won the game, so I think the plan succeeded.
Always in Game Mode
The 2011 World Cup hero also disclosed that his brain never disconnects while playing a series. Even in triumph, he’s thinking already about the next thing. “The moment we win, my brain is ready to think about the XI for the next game. I just can’t shut down. The team remains on my mind.”
Under Gambhir’s keen eye and incessant push, India will be seeking to gather momentum and register a vital 2-1 advantage in the five-Test series. If anything is certain, it’s that under Gambhir’s leadership, there can be no space for complacency but only purpose.
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