Ahead of Sri Lanka's white-ball series, here is the summarization of the press conference of Team India's new head coach Gautam Gambhir (Pic: File Pic)
Updated On: 2024-07-22 08:30 PM IST
Compiled by : Sujay Shivalkar
Gautam Gambhir's views on being appointed as Team India's head coach
"For me it's simple, to give players the freedom, that's what I absolutely believe in. The best relationship is built on trust and that is very important. The most important thing for me is they will always have my back and I have always said that a happy dressing room is a winning dressing room. I'm taking over a very very successful team. It is big shoes to fill, but yes looking forward to it"
Relationship with Jay Shah
"I've got a fabulous relationship with Mr. Jay Shah and hopefully it continues that way because the betterment of Indian cricket is more important. Gautam Gambhir is not important. All of us have heart in the right place and if we need Indian cricket to move forward, then I think we are all on the same page. So, really enjoyed working with him so far and hopefully I can continue this in future as well"
Ravindra Jadeja's snub
"After Sri Lanka tour, you have got a long break and then we have got ten test matches. There is big tour of Australia coming up as well. Hopefully we can do really well in those 10 Test matches. Someone like Ravindra Jadeja is important for all those 10 matches and really looking forward to all those test matches"
Views on Support Staff
"I've enjoyed working with Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate. Hopefully they have a successful stint with the Indian team, there can't be a bigger, better opportunity"
Mentorship experience with Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants
"My experience or learning has been simple. In sports its always about winning, so I don't deviate from something like that. We're in a profession where ultimately there can be only one winner. International cricket can be tough, only 15 can play. But more importantly it is the job of the support staff to keep them in a happy space and that will be one thing which we definitely will be working forward to"
On different teams for different formats
"T20 will obviously go through a transition with three world class players (Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja) retiring. But in the 50 overs and Test cricket, the more consistent we will be, the better it is going to be"
Views on BCCI
"I'm really happy with the BCCI, they have agreed to most of the things what I've asked for. I was surprised what I was reading all those news. But the crux of the support staff will remain what it is right now. Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate could be Assistant coaches"
On relationship with Virat Kohli
"Yeah its good for TRP. My relationship with Virat Kohli is not public, its between two matured individuals. On field, everyone has got the right to fight for their own team, own jersey. But at the moment, we are representing India and will try and make India proud. I share a very good relationship with Virat Kohli off field and we will continue to do that. I have huge respect for him as a player"