The three-match T20I series between India and Sri Lanka marked the start of a new chapter for the Indian cricket team as the former opener, Gautam Gambhir made his debut as coach of the Men in Blue. India absolutely decimated Sri Lanka under the captaincy of Suryakumar Yadav with a 3-0 series win.
Following the T20I series, India are currently engaged against the Sri Lankans in a three-match ODI series with batting stalwarts skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli marking their return to ODI cricket. Gambhir was spotted having a lengthy conversation with both the senior players ahead of the start of the series, a positive sign for the team.
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However, former Indian cricketer and the hero of the 2007 T20 World Cup Final alongside Gambhir himself, Joginder Sharma has contradictory opinions regarding Gambhir’s appointment as the new coach.
The current DSP of the Haryana police disagrees with Gambhir’s appointment as coach stating that he would most probably part ways with the team ahead of the end of his contract in 2027.
What did Joginder Sharma say about Gambhir?
Joginder and Gambhir both played a vital role in India’s T20 World Cup triumph in 2007 against arch-rivals Pakistan in the Final. Gambhir made a massively important 75-run contribution in the first innings, while Joginder bowled that final over against Misbah ul-Haq in Johannesburg.
After playing with Gambhir in the same team, Joginder feels that the 42-year-old won’t be able to stay long in the Indian team as coach, majorly because of his straightforward attitude. Joginder stated that Gambhir makes his own decisions and it might not sit well with some players in the dressing room.
He specifically mentioned that he wasn’t just talking about Kohli, who has had a spat with Gambhir in the IPL on two different occasions. However, the BCCI has made sure that there are no differences between the player and the coach, especially since the Anil Kumble incident.
Speaking on Shubhankar Mishra's podcast, Sharma
Gautam Gambhir is the one to manage the team, but I believe that Gautam Gambhir will not be able to stay for a long time. This is because Gautam Gambhir has his own decisions. It might happen that he has a disagreement with a player. I am not talking about Virat Kohli. Many times, Gautam Gambhir's decisions are such that others do not like them.
However, Joginder also had words of praise for the current Indian head coach stating that he doesn’t look to flatter anyone and does his work with utmost sincerity and honesty.
At the moment. There seems to be no discontent in the team regarding Gambhir’s appointment as coach, nevertheless, it is too early to make a clear call.
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