Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar press conference: Five major talking points

Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar addressed media before Team India departed for Sri Lanka tour.

It is the start of a new era in Indian cricket as Gautam Gambhir has officially taken over the responsibility as senior men’s Indian Cricket Team’s head coach, and India will be playing their first tour under his coaching. However, ahead of the coming tour of Sri Lanka, Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar addressed the media in a press conference held in Mumbai on Monday, July 22.

There were a number of points which Gambhir made and talked about. Be it Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, or Ravindra Jadeja, the head coach and the chief selector discussed all the players. In this article, we will talk about five major points that were discussed in the press conference.

Here are the five major talking points from press conference of India coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar:

1. Hardik Pandya’s fitness cost him T20I captaincy

The Indian selection committee appointed Suryakumar Yadav as the new T20I captain of India, which surprised many because it was Hardik Pandya who was groomed as the next white-ball captain. However, Agarkar has now confirmed that the all-rounder wasn’t named captain because of his fitness issues and his availability. The selectors were looking for someone who can play all the matches and that’s why Suryakumar was given preference.

2. Gautam Gambhir backs Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to play till 2027 ODI World Cup if they remain fit

Another big topic which was discussed was the future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. These two superstars decided to quit T20 internationals after the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 win. Gautam Gambhir confirmed that they are expecting these two stars to play for as long as possible, and if everything goes well, they will be seen in the coming 2027 ODI World Cup as well. Gambhir said, “And then, hopefully, if they can keep their fitness, the 2027 (ODI) World Cup as well.”

3. Ravindra Jadeja rested for ODI series against Sri Lanka

There were a few names that were missing on the Sri Lanka tour. One big name was Ravindra Jadeja, who was not named in the ODI squad. Everyone thought it was the last for the all-rounder in ODIs. But, Agarkar confirmed that he was not dropped from the squad, but he was rested looking at India’s back-to-back test series at home in the upcoming season.

Agarkar also said it would’ve been pointless to select both Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja for the ODI series as one would’ve to warm the bench so that the other can be included in the playing XI. Jadeja’s ODI record is very impressive, with 2756 runs and 220 wickets in 197 matches.

4. Jasprit Bumrah rested for entire tour of Sri Lanka

Jasprit Bumrah played a key role in India’s ICC T20 World Cup 2024 triumph. His spell in the final of 2/18 turned the game in India’s favour. Hence, India gave him the rest of the complete Sri Lanka tour. Bumrah will be back in the home test series against Bangladesh.

5. Gautam Gambhir wants Rohit, Virat to be more available for ODIs and Tests as they retired from T20Is

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retiring from T20 internationals means both will be available for the other two formats. But, as seen in the last few years, Rohit and Virat have taken breaks in between. But head coach Gautam Gambhir feels that both stars can now focus on the other two formats and hopes that they will be available for all of the ODIs and tests India play going forward.

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