New Delhi, December 11 Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers has stated that he agrees to some extent with India head coach Gautam Gambhir regarding the view that the ODI batting order is given more importance than necessary, but he emphasized the need to maintain a balance between flexibility in the team and the core roles of the players. Gambhir had remarked that he felt the batting order in the ODI format is overrated following India's 2-1 victory in the ODI series against South Africa.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, de Villiers mentioned that while he agrees with the Indian coach to some extent and personally liked changing the order of batters in ODIs, it remains a delicate matter because one cannot tamper too much with the roles of the players. As per agency report, he explained that a lineup typically involves the top three, the batters at numbers four to six, and then the lower order. He described this structure as being like three sections where a team can indeed be creative. He noted that making changes to form right and left-hand combinations and adjusting according to specific match situations is correct.

The former cricketer also commented on the current form of the Indian team after they won the first T20 International against South Africa, marking their 27th win in 31 matches. De Villiers praised the Indian team significantly, terming their performance, especially in the T20 format, as incredible. He pointed out that T20 is the most volatile of the three formats, and maintaining consistency in performance implies that the team is moving in the right direction. He attributed this sustained success to the depth of Indian cricket.

New Delhi, November 27: Former off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has come to the defense of Indian team head coach Gautam Gambhir, who is facing severe criticism following a 0-2 defeat in the home Test series against South Africa. Ashwin stated that demanding the coach's removal is unjustified, especially at a time when the players themselves have not shouldered adequate responsibility for the performance.

India suffered a record 408-run defeat in the second Test match that concluded in Guwahati on Tuesday. The criticism against Gambhir has largely centered on the strategy of including a high number of all-rounders in the squad, which critics argue has disrupted the team's balance. However, Ashwin supported the former opening batsman, emphasizing that he should not be removed from his position, noting that Gambhir's tenure is scheduled to last until 2027, as per agency report.

Speaking on his YouTube program, Ashwin questioned the rationale behind the outcry, reminding viewers that sport involves ups and downs. He highlighted that managing a team is a complex task and the coaching staff is equally disappointed with the results. He urged for understanding, suggesting that while firing someone might seem like an appealing solution to some, it is not the correct approach. He clarified that his stance was not about blind support or personal relationships, stating that while mistakes can be identified, they can happen to anyone and sometimes prove costly.

Having retired from international cricket and the IPL, the former spinner acknowledged the need for accountability given India's strong home record in the past. However, he argued that targeting the coach alone while sparing the players from scrutiny is unfair. He pointed out that there are high stakes and significant financial aspects involved in Indian cricket, making the coaching position highly coveted, but ultimately, a coach cannot go out and bat in place of the players.

Ashwin challenged the critics to step into the coach's shoes, noting that while players require consistency, the primary responsibility for performance lies with them. He observed that he had not seen enough players taking the kind of responsibility that would justify blaming the coach entirely for the issues. While acknowledging that decision-making processes can always be improved, he expressed his dislike for personally targeting individuals simply to find a scapegoat for the team's failure.

London, August 5 – Following India’s 2-2 draw against England in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir emphasized the need for building a strong and evolving team culture centered on hard work and continuous improvement. In his post-series address to the dressing room, Gambhir said that while players may come and go, the environment within the team must always be one that inspires excellence and unity.

As per agency report, Gambhir praised the players for their overall performance throughout the closely contested series and acknowledged the importance of sustained growth in various aspects of the game. He noted that ongoing efforts to improve would help India maintain long-term dominance in international cricket.

India’s squad, currently in a transitional phase after recent Test series defeats to New Zealand and Australia, saw young batter Shubman Gill take over the captaincy for the England tour. Gambhir extended his best wishes to Gill and encouraged the team to enjoy a well-deserved break following their efforts in the series.

The coaching staff’s emphasis on collective effort and fielding energy was echoed by all-rounder Washington Sundar, who was named the ‘Impact Player of the Series.’ The award was presented to him by senior player Ravindra Jadeja. Sundar shared that it felt special to play four matches in England and that the team maintained a strong sense of unity and purpose on the field each day.

Gambhir’s comments signal a continued focus on creating a performance-driven team atmosphere that not only brings success but also motivates players to be part of a culture defined by mutual support, discipline, and professional growth.

Chandigarh, July 11 – Former cricketer Yograj Singh has come out in strong support of Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir, urging fans and critics not to judge him harshly. Speaking amid an ongoing series where India and England are currently tied 1-1, Yograj expressed confidence that under Gambhir’s mentorship and Shubman Gill’s captaincy, India will emerge victorious.

Known for his outspoken remarks, Yograj stated that Indian players are continuously improving and delivering strong performances, and therefore deserve the country’s unwavering support. “We should not make negative comments about Gambhir. He’s doing a good job,” Yograj said, adding that cricketing stalwarts like Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh, and Rahul Dravid are now giving back to the sport that gave them so much.

He further emphasized that even if India fails to win the series, the team and its management should still be supported. As per agency report, Yograj expressed hope that the Indian side will put up a better performance against England in the remaining matches. “If you lose, you don’t need to give explanations; and if you win, there’s nothing more to say,” he remarked, reinforcing his belief in the team’s potential under Shubman Gill’s confident leadership.

While Gambhir’s record as coach has been questioned in the past—particularly after India’s defeats against New Zealand and Australia on home soil—recent matches against England have shown promise. The team’s improved batting and bowling, coupled with Gill’s composed captaincy, have raised hopes of a series win.

Yograj’s comments come at a time when public scrutiny of the team and its coaching staff remains high, and his appeal for unity and patience reflects the broader call for support as Indian cricket undergoes a transitional phase.

New Delhi, May 6 – Indian cricket team’s head coach Gautam Gambhir stated on Tuesday that senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should continue playing for the national team as long as they are performing well. However, he also clarified that he would have no say in their selection for the upcoming Test series in England.

Amid growing speculation about Rohit Sharma’s future as Test captain ahead of India’s tour of England, and subtle concerns about Kohli’s long-term presence in the team, Gambhir remained diplomatic while addressing their roles. Speaking at the ‘India at 2047’ summit hosted by ABP News, he emphasized that team selection falls under the purview of selectors, not the coach.

As per agency report, Gambhir explained that the coach's responsibility is limited to deciding the playing eleven from the squad chosen by selectors. He noted that previous coaches were never part of the selection committee, and the same applies to him.

When further pressed on the issue, Gambhir responded that as long as Sharma and Kohli continue to perform well, they deserve to remain in the team. He added that decisions about when to start or end a playing career are personal, and no coach, selector, or even the BCCI can dictate that.

He went on to say that if a player continues to contribute effectively, there should be no restriction based on age, suggesting that one could even play until 45 if fitness and form are maintained.

India is scheduled to tour England for a five-match Test series beginning on June 20. While Gambhir did not commit to a stance on the duo's future in the Test format, he did express optimism about their potential participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, depending entirely on their performance in the lead-up to the tournament.

Reflecting on their recent form, Gambhir acknowledged their strong showing in the Champions Trophy, contrasting it with the criticism they faced during the Australia tour for underwhelming performances in Tests.

He also dismissed the notion of planned farewells, arguing that players do not play the game with the expectation of a grand send-off. Instead, he urged that the focus should be on remembering the impact and contributions made by players to the country’s victories.

Gambhir concluded by saying that whether or not a formal farewell is given is insignificant in the grand scheme. The real honor, he said, lies in the love and respect of the country’s people — a far greater reward than any farewell ceremony.

New Delhi, April 24 – Indian cricket team's head coach and former Member of Parliament Gautam Gambhir has received threatening emails, prompting serious concerns regarding his security. The Delhi Police confirmed the development on Thursday and stated that an investigation is currently underway.

As per agency report, the threats were sent to Gambhir’s email from a suspicious Gmail account on April 22, the same day a terrorist attack in Pahalgam claimed the lives of 26 people, most of whom were tourists. The emails allegedly originated from an ID claiming affiliation with “ISIS Kashmir” and carried a chilling message that read, “I kill you.”

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central Delhi), M Harsh Vardhan, stated that the police were informed about the threatening messages received on one of Gambhir’s email accounts. He added that while Gambhir is already under Delhi Police security, details regarding specific security measures cannot be disclosed.

Police sources said that the Rajinder Nagar Police Station has registered a formal complaint regarding the threats, along with screenshots of the emails. The complaint reportedly requested urgent filing of an FIR and emphasized the need for enhanced protection for Gambhir and his family.

This is not the first time Gambhir has faced such threats. In 2022, he had received similar intimidating messages, which led to an upgrade in his security cover.

Law enforcement agencies are now working to trace the source of the emails and identify the individual or group behind them. Meanwhile, Gambhir continues with his coaching responsibilities for the Indian national cricket team amid heightened security arrangements.

Ahmedabad, February 13 – India's head coach Gautam Gambhir has dismissed speculation regarding Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion from the ODI team despite his impressive form. He clarified that the right-handed batsman was always a part of the team’s plans and will be a crucial player for the upcoming Champions Trophy.

During India’s 3-0 series victory against England, Iyer displayed stellar performances, including a counterattacking 59 off 36 balls in Nagpur after India was struggling at 19/2 while chasing 249. He followed it up with scores of 44 and 78 in the next two matches. However, controversy arose when Iyer claimed he was included in the playing XI only after Virat Kohli was ruled out due to knee pain, sparking speculation about his place in the squad.

Addressing these rumors after the third ODI on Wednesday, Gambhir clarified that Iyer was never intended to be benched and that the team wanted to give Yashasvi Jaiswal a chance due to his impressive form in Australia. Eventually, Iyer was preferred over Jaiswal, and Gambhir reaffirmed his significance in the team.

The Champions Trophy is set to commence on February 19, with India playing its first match against Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20. Gambhir acknowledged that Jasprit Bumrah’s injury-enforced absence is a setback but sees it as an opportunity for young pacers like Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh to step up.

Bumrah, who played a pivotal role in India’s T20 World Cup triumph last year with 15 wickets, including a match-winning spell in the final, has been ruled out due to a recurring back issue. Gambhir expressed confidence in Mohammed Shami’s return alongside Arshdeep and Rana, emphasizing that the team must move forward and focus on available resources.

Harshit Rana, who replaced Bumrah in the squad, has impressed with his recent performances. Gambhir praised his and Arshdeep’s contributions in the series, admitting that Bumrah’s absence will be felt but experienced pacers like Shami can fill the void.

When asked if Bumrah’s absence gives other teams a psychological edge, Gambhir stated that the team has no control over injuries and must focus on adapting and performing.

On the decision to promote Axar Patel to No. 5 in the batting order, Gambhir clarified that the idea was to include a left-handed batsman in the middle order, bringing balance and variety to the lineup. He reiterated that team selection should be based on impact rather than rigid batting positions, questioning why a team would stick to all right-handed batters in the top five when a left-hander could provide an advantage.

With India gearing up for the Champions Trophy, Gambhir remains optimistic about the squad’s depth and its ability to compensate for missing key players while maximizing the available talent.

New Delhi : The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has organized a special interview between two of cricket’s strongest personalities, Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir, ahead of the highly anticipated India-Bangladesh Test series.

In the interview, released on Wednesday, Kohli and Gambhir candidly discussed their past, the intense rivalries they faced during the IPL, and how they’ve moved beyond the media and fan-driven narratives surrounding their on-field tensions.

The conversation between these cricket legends comes just days before the two-match Test series against Bangladesh. In the teaser shared by the BCCI, Kohli opened up about the long-standing tension between him and Gambhir, saying, "So, here we are. We’ve come a long way, and we’re putting an end to all the drama."

Smiling, Gambhir responded, "That’s a good way to start the conversation," leading both players to share a laugh together.

During the interview, Gambhir reminisced about Kohli's phenomenal performances in Australia, particularly highlighting his outstanding batting, which cemented his status as one of cricket’s greats. In turn, Kohli asked Gambhir how he managed to stay in the 'zone' amidst all the banter and on-field tension, sparking an insightful discussion on mental toughness in sports.

Gambhir, with a touch of humor, deflected the question back to Kohli, suggesting that Kohli might be better equipped to answer how external noise impacts a player's focus, given his own experience with on-field controversies.

The history between Kohli and Gambhir dates back to India’s 2011 World Cup victory, where both played crucial roles. Notably, during the tournament, Gambhir handed over his Player of the Match trophy to a young Kohli, marking the beginning of a bond between two highly competitive cricketers. However, their relationship on the field hasn’t always been smooth.

In 2013, the pair had a heated verbal altercation during an IPL match, a rivalry that only intensified a decade later in the 2023 IPL season. During that time, Gambhir, the mentor of Lucknow Super Giants, and Kohli, leading the Royal Challengers Bangalore, were involved in a fierce confrontation, leading to fines for both players.

Despite their past tensions, the two have recently shown signs of reconciliation. In 2024, during a match between Kolkata Knight Riders and RCB at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, the duo was seen warmly embracing, signaling the end of their public disagreements. Since Gambhir’s appointment as India’s head coach, the pair has worked together to set aside their differences, fostering a strong rapport within the dressing room.

Surat, December 8 (IANS) Former Indian cricketer Praveen Kumar believes that fans and social media have unnecessarily blown out of proportion the on-field altercation between Gautam Gambhir and S Sreesanth during an Eliminator match between Indian Capitals and Gujarat Giants in the ongoing Legends League Cricket (LLC) 2023.

Gambhir and Sreesanth on Wednesday got into a furious disagreement during the match here at the Lalbhai Contractor Stadium, and the umpires had to step in to keep things civil.

Praveen Kumar, who played 68 ODIs and six Tests for India, urged everyone not to escalate the issue further, emphasizing that such incidents are part and parcel of the game. In an exclusive interview with IANS, he stressed the need for keeping such matters confined to the field without sensationalizing them on social media

"These are part and parcels of the game, there is no need for creating hype around these types of incidents. This should remain in the ground only and shouldn't be carried beyond that. People have made a fuss for no reason on social media but if you see both (Gambhir and Sreesanth) of them will forget it after a few days," Praveen Kumar told IANS.

"Everything becomes fine once players step outside (Ground par ho jaati hai tu tu main main, bahar jakr sab thik). There is no enmity, bullets haven't been fired either (Koi dushmani thodi hai, goliyan thodi chali hain), social media shouldn't hype this," he added.

After the heated altercation between Gambhir and Sreesanth, the bowler on Thursday posted two videos on social media, accusing Gambhir of the misconduct. The left-handed batter responded with a cryptic tweet.

Following the spat, the Legends League Cricket (LLC) said that it will conduct an internal investigation into the violation of the code of conduct in the incident involving the two players.

Necessary action will be taken against all that have violated the very clear rules stated by the league’s Code of Conduct & Ethics Committee, the Legends League Cricket (LLC) said in a statement on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the Manipal Tigers on Thursday defeated India Capitals by six wickets to reach the finals of ongoing Legends League Cricket (LLC). The side will now face Urbanrisers Hyderabad in the summit clash on Saturday here.

Praveen Kumar, who plays for Manipal Tigers, feels the level of the game here is at par with international cricket and players cannot avoid practice and net sessions before coming out to compete.

"There is no difference in the level of competition (in LLC), same bowling, same batting, and even more runs are being scored here in an innings compared to the International level. Yes age factor comes into the picture but the players are the same and so is their game. It requires practice and we do practice before our game here," Praveen Kumar told IANS following Manipal Tigers' win over India Capitals.

New Delhi, Dec 7 (IANS) Former India pacer S Sreesanth has been served a legal notice by the Legends League Cricket (LLC) commissioner over his rant against Gautam Gambhir, following the on-field altercation between the two players during an Eliminator match between Indian Capitals and Gujarat Giants in the ongoing LCC 2023 tournament.

Gambhir and Sreesanth got into a heated exchange during the LLC Season 2 Eliminator match between India Capitals and Gujarat Giants at the Lalbhai Contractor Stadium on Wednesday, and the umpires had to step in to keep things civil.

The next morning, Sreesanth went live on the social media platform, Instagram, and accused Gambhir of saying rude words. The Kerala pacer also said that Gambhir called him a 'fixer', referring to the 2013 Indian Premier League (IPL) spot-fixing scandal.

The legal notice from LCC mentioned that Sreesanth was guilty of breaching his contract while playing in the T20 tournament, according to an India today report.

The report further stated that talks with the pacer will only be initiated once he removes the videos criticising the player within the preview of the league.

Earlier, LCC issued a statement saying it will conduct an internal investigation on the violation of the code of conduct in the incident involving former India teammates Gambhir and Sreesanth.

"The incident that has been the talk of the cricketing world violates the code of conduct and necessary action will be taken against all that have violated the very clear rules stated by the league’s Code of Conduct & Ethics Committee, LCC said in a statement on Thursday.

"Unfortunately, this incident that is making the rounds on social media pulls focus if only for a short time away from what has so far been an extremely exciting season so far with national and international legends playing together for their respective teams," it said.

"Legends League Cricket aims to continue to be focused on the league itself and let the ASCU and Code of Conduct & Ethics Committee handle the internal investigation and subsequent action with respect to the involved individual/s that will be held in violation of the code of conduct for their comments including ones made on social media," the league said.

New Delhi, May 2 (IANS) Royal Challengers Bangalore put up a stellar performance to beat Lucknow Super Giants by 18 runs in a low-scoring encounter of the IPL 2023 at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Monday night.

Batting first, RCB mustered 126/9 in 20 overs in a game that was briefly disrupted by rain. Skipper Faf du Plessis emerged the top scorer with 44 while his opening partner Virat Kohli contributed 31. The duo put on 62 runs in nine overs.

RCB's bowlers fired on all cylinders after the innings break and bowled out LSG for 108 in 19.5 overs on a pitch that was sluggish and made life difficult for batsmen. The fact that LSG skipper KL Rahul was injured during fielding and came on to bat only after the fall of nine wickets, and his team needing 24 off 8 balls, did not help matters. Spinner Karn Sharma and paceman Josh Hazlewood emerged the best of the RCB bowlers, taking 2/20 and 2/15 respectively.

Meanwhile, some heated exchanges between Kohli and former India opener Gautam Gambhir, who is now the mentor of the LSG squad, was witnessed post the match, about which JioCinema IPL expert Anil Kumble was not impressed. He said: "A lot of emotion goes in but you don't want to be displaying those emotions here. This is important, you need to have a conversation. But this is something that's unacceptable."

"No matter what, you have to respect the opposition and the game. Once a game is over, you have to shake hands and tip your hat off, not to the player but to the game because that's something you need to respect� I don't know what was spoken, some things may have been personal and you don't want that on the cricket field. But with Gautam and Virat and the players involved, it wasn't the nicest thing to see," he added.

On Rahul's injury, Kumble said: "If KL probably was fit, we would've seen a different story here, especially on this kind of a surface."

Robin Uthappa was extremely impressed with the spinner's performance, saying: "He was dropped after performing so well, especially getting wickets in Bangalore. Not very expensive but still getting wickets, which is crucial in Bangalore. He didn't figure in the side after Hasaranga came into the XI. You can never have too many leg-spinners in a T20 game, can you?"