Tuesday saw the announcement of Gautam Gambhir as the new head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team, a development that means that there is going to be an impossibly packed cricket calendar across diverse formats for him.
Following their recent T20 World Cup win, Gambhir replaces Rahul Dravid and is required to build upon it.
What lies ahead for Gambhir and his side in each format?
Tests:
After playing Bangladesh (2 Tests) at home and New Zealand (3 Tests), India will go on a tough tour down under involving five Tests. It could determine how they fare in the ICC World Test Championship cycle.
The team would love another series win after two productive visits to Australia since 2018, though Pat Cummins’ squad has really been something of a thorn in its flesh lately. This WTC cycle will probably be one of his stiffest challenges ever.
ODIs:
Gambhir’s term will begin with away three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka in August.
India are set to welcome England for a three-match ODI series in February next year before the Champions Trophy.
Since winning the Champions Trophy 2013, India has not won any other title in this format and this is what Gambhir would like to change in the coming year.
T20Is:
Winning both T20 World Cups in Caribbean Islands and USA has made people happy but with retirement announcements from Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja making news all over country cricketer have themselves engaged into a transition period
Though he still has some time before next tournament begins, Gambhir shall have to manage his side through this very important transitional period. Apart from replacing three key players in starting line up during T20I series against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, South Africa and England, former India opener shall also need to pick out new skipper.
The ANI says that Gambhir has a lot on his plate because so many players are coming through the IPL. Therefore, making full use of his resources could be the difference between 2027 home title defense and disappointment.
