Gautam Gambhir's First Press Conference as Team India's Coach, Major Takeaways From Event

In his first press conference since being announced as the team's new head coach, former batter Gautam Gambhir answered questions from Indian fans. Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar, chairman of selectors, discussed the decisions made in the weeks leading up to the limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka, including Suryakumar Yadav taking over for Rohit Sharma as captain of the T20I team and the future of senior players like Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and others.

Key Takeaways From Gautam Gambhir Press Conference

Here, we take a look at some key takeaways from the event:

1. Reason Why Pandya Not Made Captain

Due to the fact that Pandya had been Rohit's deputy in the format for a significant amount of time, including at the 2024 T20 World Cup that India won last month, the emergence of Suryakumar as a leading candidate to lead the T20I team was a little bit of a surprise.

Agarkar added that Pandya continues to be a significant player due to his unique skill set. However, "fitness is a challenge," and Agarkar stated that the think tank would prefer to have someone available to lead the team frequently.

2. Virat and Rohit can Olay 2027 ODI WC

Gautam Gambhir stated that senior batters Rohit and Kohli will play for as long as their bodies will allow, even if that means playing in the World Cup in 2027. Gautam Gambhir stated that Rohit, 37, and Kohli, 35, both have a lot of cricket left in them if they "can keep their fitness" for the upcoming ODI series in Sri Lanka.

3. No Trouble Between Gautam Gambhir and Kohli

 Gautam Gambhir stated on Monday that the public run-ins he has had with Kohli over the years in the IPL carries no value apart from being good for television ratings. Gambhir said that regardless of whether he had conversations with Kohli isn't however significant as the way that they may be both now addressing India and need to do what is best for the group. He likewise hailed Kohli as a "exhaustive expert", a "top notch competitor" and a "elite player".

4. Jadeja Is  Not Dropped From Team

Agarkar clarified that Jadeja has only been rested because he is thought to be a key member of the team that will play five Test matches in Australia later this year. According to Agarkar, it was decided to prioritize the games Jadeja will need to play after this series and give him enough rest because the 35-year-old has had his fair share of breaks caused by injuries in the past two years.

5. No Place For SKY In ODI

Agarkar also stated that despite Suryakumar Yadav'spromotion to captain in T20Is, he may not be able to compete for captaincy in ODIs. According to Agarkar, the Indian ODI team now has Pant, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer in the middle order, leaving no room for Suryakumar.

Agarkar also confirmed that it is the need to get Rahul, who has hit a purple patch in ODIs and Tests in the last two years, back into the 50-over side which led to Sanju Samson being dropped.