"I hope Abhishek and Ryan have a successful stint" - Gautam Gambhir confirms Ryan ten Doeschate and Abhishek Nayar as his assistant coaches
Team India's new head coach Gautam Gambhir has confirmed the appointment of Ryan ten Doeschate and Abhishek Nayar as his assistant coaches. Gambhir's first assignment as coach will be the three-match T20I and ODI series against Sri Lanka.
Gambhir has already worked with Nayar and Ten Doeschate at the Kolkata Knight Riders when he was the mentor, and the trio tasted success, winning the IPL 2024 title.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the team's departure to Sri Lanka on Monday, July 22, here's what Gautam Gambhir had to say:
"This is the crux of the coaching staff. But we have a lot of time. We will have time after the Sri Lanka series. I have had some really good feedback from the players. I hope Abhishek and Ryan have a successful stint as coaches."
Gambhir also shed light on the importance of having a happy and secure dressing room and that's what his aim would be going forward.
Gautam Gambhir on the availability of players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
Gautam Gambhir also shed light on the role of star players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli going forward. With Rohit and Kohli both having retired from T20Is after winning the T20 World Cup, Gambhir reckons the duo should be available for most of the games. However, he did stress the importance of workload management for Jasprit Bumrah in particular, as well as some of the other pacers.
Gambhir told reporters:
"With now Rohit and Virat not playing T20I cricket, they only have two formats to look after. I am sure they are going to be available for most of the games. Yes, for Jasprit Bumrah (workload management), he is one rare kind of a bowler. It's our responsibility to try and have him fresh for major games. Not just for Bumrah, but for most of the fast bowlers, workload management becomes really important."
Gambhir also mentioned that if Rohit and Kohli maintain their fitness, they might well play on until the 2027 ODI World Cup.