Head coach desires to watch reserve pool; prepares blueprint for WTC, T20 and ODI WCs
NEW DELHI: There could also be no worldwide cricket for India within the subsequent three months, however head coach Gautam Gambhir has already firmed up his prep plan for the five-Take a look at tour of England beginning in late June. TOI has learnt that Gambhir has determined to journey with the India ‘A’ crew to England earlier than the Take a look at tour will get underway on June 20.
Because the Indian cricket board (BCCI) would not have any designated coach for the developmental sides, will probably be fascinating to see if Gambhir travels simply as an observer or BCCI’s Head Cricket VVS Laxman takes up the position. After Rahul Dravid had assumed the position of the pinnacle coach of the senior crew, for India ‘A’ and U-19 assignments the BCCI rotated coaches from the pool on the Nationwide Cricket Academy. It might be the primary time the senior crew coach will probably be accompanying an India A aspect on a tour.

Sources advised TOI that Gambhir has been engaged on a roadmap throughout codecs for the subsequent two years resulting in the 2027 ODI World Cup, a part which will even embody the World Take a look at Championship and 2026 T20 World Cup. “Gambhir has been in discussions with the BCCI since he returned from Australia. He has expressed his want to journey with the India ‘A’ crew to get a clearer view of the reserve pool,” a BCCI supply stated. “With India profitable the Champions Trophy after Gambhir’s insistence for sure wild card gamers, one could anticipate him to say extra in future,” the supply added.
India’s Take a look at cricket standing plummeted after Gambhir took up the job final July. India misplaced 0-3 to New Zealand at dwelling earlier than struggling 1-3 defeat in Australia. Gambhir, chief selector Ajit Agarkar and Laxman have had discussions on doable methods of reviving India’s pool of gamers for Take a look at cricket.
“One of many essential points recognized is reviving India ‘A’ excursions. There have been solely a handful ‘A’ sequence after Dravid left NCA and all of these had been shadow excursions for a marquee sequence. Gambhir too believes that there must be extra ‘A’ excursions. That is why he desires to take inventory of the state of affairs firsthand,” the supply stated.
If one goes by the choice tendencies since Gambhir took cost, there are many impulsive calls taken majorly on the horses-for-courses concept. Of late, India’s Take a look at squad has regarded removed from settled. The useful resource pool hasn’t been tried sufficient. As is the apply on shadow excursions, just a few of the senior crew gamers could also be urged to play within the ‘A’ sequence in England. Gambhir will probably be taking inventory of the senior gamers’ type and figuring out doable backups.
With Rohit Sharma‘s Take a look at type and place within the XI nonetheless below scrutiny, focus will probably be on discovering a gentle reserve opener and likewise a strong center order batter. India did not present any confidence in Abhimanyu Easwaran and Sarfaraz Khan within the tour of Australia. Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair will look to impress together with Easwaran and Sarfaraz within the ‘A’ sequence.
India’s pace-bowling sources will even be on trial with query marks over Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami’s health to outlive a five-Take a look at tour.

Segregating T20 WC and ODI WC preparation
Gambhir has been advocating having a distinct segment T20 crew that will probably be largely picked on type. TOI understands that he would not wish to combine the ODI and T20I codecs.
India will play about 24 ODIs going into the subsequent World Cup. The coach would like to type the core of the ODI crew as early as doable. The selectors and Gambhir will must be positive in the event that they see Rohit persevering with as captain until October 2027.
Gambhir has apparently argued that the T20 crew is excelling since there’s readability on how the gamers must strategy the format. Barring just a few high gamers, one could anticipate only a few two format white-ball gamers.
India will co-host the subsequent T20 World Cup with Sri Lanka subsequent yr. This IPL turns into very essential in that sense since Gambhir is a powerful advocate of latest type.