The BCCI did not consult with former captain Virat Kohli about the appointment of Gautam Gambhir as a head coach. The Board of Control for Cricket in India announced Gautam Gambhir as the new head coach of the Indian cricket team, who is going to replace the current coach, Rahul Dravid.
It is learned that the BCCI chose Gautam Gambhir as India’s head coach without even contacting Virat Kohli, a legend of modern-day cricket. Virat Kohli’s past conflicts with Gautam Gambhir played no role in the board’s decision-making process. There wasn’t anything discussed at all with Virat Kohli, a departure from usual practices where key players are often consulted.
Virat Kohli’s Exclusion from Head Coach Selection Process
A decision that was taken by the Cricket Advisory Committee(CAC), comprising Ashok Malhotra, Jatin Paranjape, and Sulakshana Naik. The CAC then unanimously proposed Gautam Gambhir for the position of head coach. Gambhir and former cricketer WV Raman have been the only two candidates interviewed for the post. Finally, the BCCI acted on the suggestion by the CAC and announced Gambhir as the new head coach for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka.
At 42, Gautam Gambhir will be the youngest head coach India has ever had. This comes as quite a departure from Rahul Dravid, who was also a former player and, during the latter half of his career, part of the team. Gambhir’s last Test match was under Virat Kohli’s captaincy in 2016; with Gambhir coming on board, a new chapter starts for Indian cricket.
Notably, Gambhir and Kohli have had instances of on-field conflicts, as widely documented during the 2023 IPL season. Of late, though, things seem to be getting settled between these two cricketers. In the last season of IPL Virat Kohli, according to many, lightening up their past issues, and the public embrace was seen as a gesture of mending their relationship.
BCCI’s Strategic Vision
By not consulting Virat Kohli over the issue, the BCCI represents a policy decision on the broader strategic vision for the team’s future. Broadening its strategic vision concerning developing new talent and preparation for challenges ahead, the board did not only have in mind avoiding past rivalries but also concentrated long-term interests in Indian cricket.
One interesting dynamic will be between Gautam Gambhir and current ODI and Test captain Rohit Sharma. While Rohit has shared an excellent professional balance with former head coach Rahul Dravid, it is said that the synergy turned out to be one of the pivotal reasons behind India’s recent success in cricket. Now, with a change in coaching staff, it will test how well Gambhir and Rohit work together.
It is speculated that neither Rohit Sharma nor Virat Kohli will feature in Gambhir’s debut series as head coach. The two-star players have requested an extended break from international cricket and will return for the home Test series against Bangladesh.
Even before the announcement of Gambhir’s appointment, Hardik Pandya was one of those few players whom the BCCI had consultations with. Gautam Gambhir coming on board as the head coach of India takes the Indian cricket team in an all-new direction. The fact that the BCCI is not consulting Kohli and is dwelling on future leadership dynamics at this point indicates that it is trying strategically to ensure success in the coming years. Much will depend on how Gambhir’s leadership changes the cricketing fortunes of India once his tenure starts.
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