India’s upcoming three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, commencing on Friday, marks the debut of Gautam Gambhir as the new head coach. Replacing Rahul Dravid, Gambhir's approach is described by skipper Rohit Sharma as distinctly clear-minded and purposeful. Sharma noted that Gambhir, with extensive cricket experience and a background in franchise team management, brings a unique perspective compared to previous coaching staff. He acknowledged the differences among individuals, mentioning how the team adapted to Dravid after Ravi Shastri’s tenure, and now will adapt to Gambhir's methods.
Rohit highlighted the immediate goal of focusing on the series rather than planning too far ahead. He stated that the team aims to take valuable lessons from these three matches to refine their ODI strategy. During the pre-match press conference, Rohit explained that his discussions with Gambhir primarily revolved around cricket strategies, team needs, and areas for improvement, as well as upcoming tournaments and how to tackle different opponents.
Addressing curiosity about Gambhir’s demeanour, Rohit assured that Gambhir enjoys himself in the dressing room and urged people to respect his personal space, stating that everyone has their own ways of expressing themselves.
The series against Sri Lanka is also seen as the beginning of India’s preparation for the 2025 Champions Trophy. When asked about areas of improvement, Rohit hinted that these would become evident during the matches. He stressed the importance of maintaining high standards of play, despite using the series to experiment and try new strategies. Rohit underscored that representing the nation means upholding the quality of cricket that has been consistent over the years, rather than treating the series as mere practice.
Rohit also highlighted the need for continuous improvement and the importance of challenging the team to perform better. He conveyed the team's commitment to learning and adapting, even from past successes, and accentuated the importance of giving players the freedom to experiment without the fear of failure. This environment, he believes, allows players to play freely and focus on contributing to the team’s success.
In conclusion, Rohit expressed confidence that with the right environment and support, players would meet the team's expectations and excel in their roles, ultimately strengthening the team’s performance.