Gautam Gambhir Seeks Full Control of Indian Team, Bumrah Could Challenge His Authority

In a new chapter for Indian cricket, head coach Gautam Gambhir has reportedly demanded full control over the team’s decision-making processes, particularly after the recent retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from Test cricket. According to a report by Dainik Jagran, Gambhir, having taken charge of the team with the aim of redefining India's cricketing culture, has outlined a ten-point directive for players and management alike. His vision is to move away from the "superstar culture" that once dominated the sport in India and to focus on developing a fresh, young team for the future.

Gautam Gambhir

Gambhir’s impact on the team has already been felt, with the phase-out of veteran players such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both of whom announced their Test cricket retirements just before India’s squad selection for the upcoming England tour. Sources suggest that it was Gambhir, in collaboration with selectors’ chairman Ajit Agarkar, who played a crucial role in informing these legends about the management’s plans for a younger team. This departure from the norm is significant, as it marks the first time a head coach has actively shaped the career paths of some of Indian cricket’s biggest names.

In stark contrast to previous coaching regimes under figures like Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid, where the captains held much of the decision-making power, Gambhir’s approach has been more assertive. Both Shastri and Dravid worked closely with captains like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, often supporting their leadership decisions without challenging their authority. But Gambhir’s hands-on approach seems to have shifted the balance of power, with the head coach now seeking autonomy in areas such as team policy, squad selection, and strategic decisions.

The report also highlights that Gambhir is aiming to prevent another embarrassing loss, such as the home-series defeat to New Zealand or the debacle in Australia. To avoid these pitfalls, he has reportedly requested full autonomy from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which would give him free rein to oversee every aspect of the team’s operations.

Gambhir’s Influence and the Leadership Hierarchy

Although Shubman Gill is considered the future face of Indian cricket, he has not yet reached a point where he can challenge Gambhir’s decisions. Despite his rising stardom, Gill, still young and in the process of establishing himself, is expected to follow Gambhir’s guidance. As it stands, the only player in the current Test squad who could possibly challenge Gambhir’s authority is pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. However, with Bumrah’s fitness concerns and workload management, he is unlikely to take on the captaincy role full-time.

Notably, Bumrah, who has captained India in a few Tests during Rohit Sharma's tenure, was expected to be a strong candidate for leadership. But due to his crucial role as a fast bowler and the need to protect his physical well-being, it has been deemed impractical for him to assume the permanent captaincy.

Thus, even if Shubman Gill is appointed captain, it seems that Gautam Gambhir will remain the undisputed leader in the dressing room, shaping the direction of Indian cricket for years to come.