Courtesy: BCCI
Gautam Gambhir hasn’t had a great time as India’s head coach in the Test format as under his leadership, the team recorded unprecedented failures in the last couple of series. Under his coaching, India recorded a humiliating Test defeat at the hands of New Zealand by 3-0 in the home series played in October. In his next assignment in Australia, his responsibility was to deprive the home side from winning the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after 10 years. India started well in the series with a 295-run win at the Optus Stadium but nightmare came for Gambhir again as his side went on to lose three of their next four games and recorded 3-1 defeat at the hands of the Pat Cummins-led team.
Noting Gambhir’s back-to-back failures, eyes are set on his leadership again and this time, the 43-year-old has to prove himself in England, where India will lock horns against Ben Stokes’ team in the five-match series to be played from June 20 to August 4. Ahead of the massive red-ball competition, Gambhir, along with India’s new Test skipper Shubman Gill, appeared in the pre-departure press conference and answered several questions from the media. When asked about being under pressure as Team India’s head coach, he said, he always faces pressure as coach irrespective of his achievements. “I am always under pressure. Regardless of whether I would've won the Champions Trophy or not. Because being the coach, you want the results. It does not change with winning or losing,” said Gambhir.
Gambhir Gambhir answers questions regarding Jasprit Bumrah during the press conference
During the presser, Gambhir was asked which three Tests will be played by Jasprit Bumrah during the England tour. Prior to this press conference, there were reports that Bumrah will feature in two or three Tests during the series as the pacer’s workload has to be managed sensibly.
“Not decided which 3 Tests Jasprit Bumrah will play. Lot of will depend on the results and where the series is headed. We have picked enough bowlers. Lot of pacers are in great space to win us Test matches from any position. When you have someone like Jasprit Bumrah, depending on how many matches he plays, will be a great sight for us,” said Gambhir on Bumrah.
