‘Public Statements on Team India Selection Policies Outside Head Coach Gautam Gambhir's Purview,' Say Former Cricketers

Add as a preferred source on Google

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir's assertion that KL Rahul is India's first-choice wicketkeeper in white-ball cricket has raised eyebrows of former cricketers.

Gambhir made the remarks during a post-match press conference after India's commanding 142-run victory over England in the third ODI, sealing a 3-0 series sweep.

Responding to questions about Rishabh Pant's place in the squad, Gambhir said, "Ultimately, it is very difficult to talk about individuals. But all I can say is that if he is part of the squad, when the time comes, he might get an opportunity. At the moment, KL is the No. 1 wicketkeeper, and he has delivered for us."

Gambhir further elaborated, "When you've got two wicketkeepers in the squad, you can't play both with the kind of quality we've got. Hopefully, whenever Pant gets that opportunity, he should be ready for it. Yes, KL is the one who's going to start."

Gambhir's endorsement of Rahul's role as the preferred wicketkeeper has triggered criticism from former cricketers, who believe such statements are outside the purview of a head coach.

Ex-Cricketers Question Gambhir's Comments

Several former players have expressed their displeasure over Gambhir's remarks, suggesting that the head coach's role is to work behind the scenes rather than make public declarations about player selection.

"It is the job of the captain (Rohit Sharma) and Ajit Agarkar (chairman of selectors) to give updates on who will be picked and who wouldn't. When was the last time a head coach made such statements in a press conference?" a former India cricketer, without being named, told myKhel.

Another ex-player added, "A coach's job is to ensure players bring the best out of their game from the team chosen by the selectors and captain. Gambhir, as a coach, shouldn't have made such a statement. Something similar was seen during the Gregg Chappell era and we remember it as one of the darker chapters of Indian cricket."

Player's unhappy with Gambhir?

Sources claim that there is discontent in the dressing room due to Gambhir's head strong nature and there are rumours of players wanting to revolt like they did against head coach Anil Kumble. However, the board, apparently, has given such absolute powers to Gambhir to ensure senior players are in line and they do not run amok in the change room.

Such powers entrusted to Gambhir signal the board doesn't want to go through the similar embarrassment in 2017, when Kumble stepped down abruptly after Champions Trophy Final as the rift between him and the then captain Virat Kohli went to point of no return.

Team India's Road Ahead: Champions Trophy 2025

With the ODI series win over England boosting morale, Team India is now preparing for the Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai under the leadership of Rohit Sharma. However, there have been significant developments leading up to the tournament.

Star pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out, ending speculation about his availability. India has opted for a spin-heavy squad, including Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, and Varun Chakaravarthy.

This decision is also raising eyebrows, with many questioning the balance of the squad, particularly in conditions that may favour pacers. India's pace battery comprises Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Shami and Harshit Rana, with all-rounder Hardik Pandya being the fourth bowling option in the ICC tournament.