"Everyone has their own style" - Rohit Sharma on Team India's new coaching staff led by Gautam Gambhir
Team India captain Rohit Sharma has asserted that though a new coaching staff has come in, he has known head coach Gautam Gambhir and assistant coach Abhishek Nayar for quite a while. He added that while everyone has their style, good understanding between players and coaches matters.
Gambhir and Nayar were with the Indian team during the white-ball series in Sri Lanka. Former South African pacer Morne Morkel has joined the team as bowling coach, while Ryan ten Doeschate has also been hired as an assistant coach.
India's next assignment will be a two-match Test series at home against Bangladesh, which begins in Chennai on Thursday, September 19. Speaking ahead of the series, Rohit shared his thoughts on Team India's new support staff, led by head coach Gambhir. He said (as quoted by ESPNcricinfo):
"The staff is new, but I know both Gautam Gambhir and Abhishek Nayar. I have played quite a bit of cricket against Morne Morkel; we've played some tough cricket against each other. I've also played, maybe a couple of games, against Ryan but the two of us haven't spoken as much before. From what I experienced with him in Sri Lanka, I think he has a sensible and understanding personality."
"As for Gambhir and Nayar, like I said, I know them well. Everyone has their own style. Rahul [Dravid] bhai, Vikram Rathour, [and] Paras Mhambrey - they had a different way of running the team, [while] these guys will have a different style. So it's important for you to adjust. So far, there have been no problems or issues as a player. Like I said, if there is understanding between both [coaches and players], that's the most important thing. And we have a good understanding," Rohit added.
While Gambhir, Nayar, and Ten Doeschate were part of Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) IPL 2024-winning coaching staff, Morkel had previously served as Pakistan’s bowling coach.
Rohit and co. have a challenging Test season ahead
Having got a much-deserved and rare break after the white-ball series in Sri Lanka last month, India are gearing up for a grueling Test season ahead.
They will face Bangladesh in two Tests. The first will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai from September 19 to September 23, while the second will be held at Green Park in Kanpur from September 27 to October 1.
Following the Bangladesh challenge, Rohit-led India will play three home Tests against New Zealand in October-November. India will then head to Australia for a five-match Test series (November to January) to be played as part of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.