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It's been only few days to Gautam Gambhir's appointment as India's new head coach, but tensions have already emerged between him and the BCCI. Reportedly, BCCI has yet again turned down Gambhir's demand for India's coaching staff. Recently, the BCCI turned down the suggestion of Morne Morkel, whom Gambhir had proposed for the role of bowling coach. Gautam Gambhir took over as Team India's head coach on July 9.
Gambhir's another demand turned down by BCCI
He was granted the freedom to select his coaching staff, similar to the latitude given to previous head coaches. This autonomy is crucial for coaches to build a support team that aligns with their vision and strategies. Rahul Dravid, who capped off his stint as India's head coach with T20 World Cup 2024 title triumph, was also afforded this freedom. During his time, Dravid appointed Paras Mhambrey and T Dilip as bowling coach and fielding coach, respectively. Dravid's decision was informed by his prior experience working with both Mhambrey and Dilip at the NCA, where he had witnessed their capabilities firsthand.
Going by a report in the Economic Times, ex-South Africa's star pacer Morne Morkel was Gautam Gambhir's recommendation for India's new bowling coach, but the BCCI has turned down this suggestion. Morkel, who previously served as Pakistan's bowling coach during the ODI World Cup 2023, is currently associated with the IPL team Lucknow Super Giants in a similar capacity. Morkel was Gambhir's third choice for the position. Prior to this, Gambhir had nominated Laxmipathy Balaji and Vinay Kumar for the role, but the board did not approve them during the initial discussions.
Gambhir had also proposed Ryan ten Doeschate and Jonty Rhodes for the position of fielding coach, but these suggestions were also rejected by the board. Consequently, five of Gambhir's coaching staff selections have been declined by the BCCI.
Abhishek Nayar in Line for India Coaching Staff
Reportedly, Abhishek Nayar, former India player, is a strong contender to join the team's coaching staff. His name has been proposed by newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir, and the BCCI is reportedly open to the idea. While his exact role has not been finalized, Nayar is considered a prime candidate for the assistant coach position. If not appointed as assistant coach, Nayar is likely to take up the role of batting coach. He is credited with playing a pivotal role in the career resurgence of players like Dinesh Karthik and Shreyas Iyer. Karthik, in particular, experienced a career revival under Nayar's guidance, successfully re-establishing himself as a finisher in the Indian team.
Shift in BCCI's approach?
According to a report in The Economic Times, the BCCI's approach appears to have changed this time. Although the Board typically allows the head coach complete freedom to select the coaching staff, this has not been the case in the current situation.
Meanwhile, Gambhir's first assignment as Team India's head coach will be the upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka which is slated to start from July 27. The series will feature three T20Is and as many ODIs. Gambhir will then set his sights on the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 scheduled for February-March. The pressure will intensify as the team will then prepare for the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 Final. Looking ahead, Gambhir will have the responsibility of guiding the team through the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 and the ODI World Cup in South Africa in 2027.
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