India head coach Gautam Gambhir has come out in the open regarding his strategy and priorities after assuming charge of the national team, with strong focus on red-ball cricket and team culture. In the midst of India’s third Test against England at Lord’s, Gambhir opened up in an open-ended interview with his erstwhile teammate turned Sony Sports Network commentator Cheteshwar Pujara.
Gambhir emphasized that, even though he has been successful in the white-ball formats, first-class and Test cricket remain his priority, particularly at a time of great transition throughout batting, bowling, and fielding units.
“This is likely to be the first time that transition is occurring across all three facets batting, bowling, and fielding,” Gambhir asserted. “First-class cricket at home is top priority for me. That’s where everything starts.”
Since taking over the position, Gambhir has always talked about creating team culture based on discipline, commitment, and constant improvement on a daily basis.
For us, it’s the matter of growing, learning and competing each day,” he said. “It’s the battle each day you wake up and stand up for the tri-colour with pride. Gautam Gambhir as a person doesn’t matter; what’s important is Indian cricket. I appreciate every comment regarding the culture in our dressing room because everyone has a voice to be heard.
Gambhir also spoke candidly about managing his work responsibilities alongside private obligations. He had returned to India to spend time with his sick mother before the opening Test at Leeds, an act that raised questions regarding work-life balance in high-level sport.
“Yes, family matters. But when you are here, you have to know your role. For me, every day is a switch-on day. There’s no place for complacency,” he clarified.
On the back of a solid record in white-ball cricket – a highlight of which has been steering India to victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and cultivating a healthy T20I outfit under Suryakumar Yadav, Gambhir’s red-ball career has gotten off to a bumpy ride.
India was humiliated by a historic 0-3 home series whitewash against New Zealand last year, their first home Test series loss in 12 years. This was followed by a 1-3 away defeat to Australia, losing India the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and their chances of a third consecutive ICC World Test Championship final appearance.
With Gambhir at the helm, India have achieved only four victories in 12 Tests up until now, seven defeats and a solitary draw a pale shadow of the team’s performance over the past couple of years. But Gambhir is convinced that patient progress and cultural purity will ultimately bear fruit.
While India are in the midst of their five-Test tour of England, the journey is tough but Gambhir is set to remain the course.
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