“It’s Not About Dropping Because…”: Gautam Gambhir’s Take On Player Selection

India’s newly appointed head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has offered a fresh perspective, one that emphasizes inclusion rather than exclusion. His leadership style is reshaping how the team management navigates the selection process, particularly when dealing with the wealth of talent in Indian cricket.

Gambhir’s philosophy

Gambhir’s philosophy is simple the focus should be on selecting players, not dropping them. This might sound like a small difference, but it’s a significant shift in how we think about team selection. By emphasizing inclusion, Gambhir is creating a culture where every player feels valued, whether they’re part of the playing XI or waiting for their chance on the sidelines.

The recent return of veteran players like Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant has added to the selection dilemma. Their experience and skill are undeniable, but their inclusion has inevitably affected the opportunities available for younger cricketers. Players like Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel, who impressed during the absence of the senior players, now find themselves waiting for another chance to showcase their talents on the international stage.

“It will always be a challenge because there is so much (in Indian cricket) and ultimately, you can only select XI. But if you can select an XI, it can do the job for you (that’s all that matters). And I have been a firm believer that we don’t drop anyone. We select anyone. So, there’s a way of looking at things,” Gambhir told Jio Cinema.

Gambhir’s view on team selection

When addressing the ongoing debate about selection, Gambhir was clear: “We don’t drop anyone. We select someone.” This statement highlights his belief that selection is about choosing the right player for the job, not about excluding someone from the team. In essence, players need to understand that they are always in contention, even if they aren’t part of the XI for a particular match.

“A lot of people from outside might think that he’s been dropped, but it’s not about dropping someone. It’s about selecting someone else to do the job for the team. If the other person can do the job for the team, then people will have to wait for their opportunities. That’s how cricket goes. Sometimes, you must wait for a much longer period than you should. Once you get the opportunity, you should be ready to grab it,” he added.

The ongoing Test series against Bangladesh started on a high note with a win in Chennai. Gambhir’s team demonstrated both skill and determination in the victory, showcasing the depth of talent in Indian cricket.

At the end of Day 1, Bangladesh was at 107/3 after 35 overs. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma had won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that paid off early in the game. Now, with weather delays, both teams are eagerly waiting to get back on the field and push for a result.

Day 2 of the second Test was completely washed out due to rain, frustrating both teams as they waited to resume play. The interruption has impacted the flow of the match, making it difficult for either side to build momentum. Weather is often an unpredictable factor in cricket, and Gambhir will need to adapt his strategies accordingly.