Team India’s newly-appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir on Monday answered some burning questions with regards to the changes that have taken place in the squad since his arrival. Gambhir, whose equation with India’s batting icon has been a subject of intense chatter, declared that his relationship with batting mainstay Virat Kohli “is between the two of us and not for TRPs”. Over the years, Gambhir and Kohli have had several clashes on the field, be it as captains of their respective Indian Premier League teams or as player and mentor of their sides. Hence, questions arose over their compatibility in the Team India dressing room.
Gambhir and Kohli had not been the best of friends, something which was evident from the multiple confrontations between the two in the IPL. However, the duo will now be working together starting with the T20 and ODI tour of Sri Lanka from July 27.
“My relationship with Virat Kohli is between the two of us and not for TRP,” Gambhir said. “What’s important is we are representing 140 crore Indians. We’ve shared messages. It’s not important if we have chatted before my announcement or after. He is a world class player, I have huge respect for him. “
In the context of Kohli, Gambhir added, “We have had lots of discussions and everyone has the right fight for their jersey.”
With the departure of seniors Rohit Sharma and Kohli from the T20 International scene, workload management of someone like Jasprit Bumrah assumes greater significance, Gambhir said.
Both Rohit and Kohli announced their retirement from the shortest format after India’s title triumph in the T20 World Cup last month. Gambhir now expects them to be available for most of Team India’s assignments in ODIs and Tests, since they’re only playing two formats now.
“Workload for someone like Jasprit Bumrah is important. Now that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will play only two formats, I expect them to be available for most games,” Gambhir said.
With PTI Inputs