Virat Kohli could have extended career a bit more if not…

Cricket commentator Indranil Basu thinks it was Gautam Gambhir. When Virat Kohli got dismissed during a match against KKR at the Chinnaswamy Stadium last year, he was seen in a verbal brawl with his former Indian teammate and KKR skipper Gambhir, as both players had to be separated on the pitch. Speculations have since then been rife that Kohli cannot stay in Team India with Gambhir as its coach.

Numerous Indian cricket coaches, such as Greg Chappell and Anil Kumble, encountered difficulties establishing their authority over players. In contrast, Gautam Gambhir seems ready to attain a degree of influence that surpasses that of the team captain, which is uncommon in the annals of Indian cricket. Historical examples illustrate the constraints faced by dominant coaches who misjudged the impact of players; in contrast, effective coaches like John Wright, Gary Kirsten and Ravi Shastri recognised the importance of adopting a more cooperative strategy.

With Kohli gone, Gambhir already making fresh plans

The recent departure of seasoned players Kohli, Sharma and Ashwin from the Indian Test team presents a unique opportunity for Gautam Gambhir to realise his strategic vision. Reports from BCCI indicate that Gambhir intends to shift the focus away from star players within the squad. This change is seen as a necessary evolution in the team's dynamics, allowing for a more collective approach to performance rather than reliance on individual brilliance.

A source within the BCCI remarked, 'Those involved in the decision-making process were well aware of Gambhir's stance regarding including senior players in the longest format of the game. It is clear that his views are in sync with those of Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of selectors.' This alignment suggests a concerted effort to reshape the team’s structure and philosophy, stressing the need for a more egalitarian approach to team selection and performance.

Historically, Indian cricket captains have wielded considerable power, often overshadowing even the most prominent coaches. Figures such as Ganguly, Dhoni, Kohli and Sharma have each commanded authority within their teams. Now, Gambhir steps into this role, possessing the ultimate decision-making power. The brief captaincy collaboration between Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma was significant, yet it contrasts with the reportedly less amicable relationship between Rohit Sharma and Gambhir. Despite past tensions, Gambhir and Kohli have managed to reconcile, aided by influential intermediaries, paving the way for a new era in Indian cricket.