Barring a few changes, Team India has been undergoing a metamorphosis following the sudden retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from Test cricket. This news came just before the squad for the England series was announced, with reports from Dainik Jagran, relayed by Hindustan Times, stating that head coach Gautam Gambhir sits at the fulcrum of this transformation: he intends to shake up Indian cricket, getting rid of the superstar culture.
Gambhir has asked the BCCI to give him more say in matters related to the cricket team’s decisions. He has submitted a 10-point plan, which encourages players to participate in domestic matches and to behave professionally while on tour. Ultimately, it aims to build a younger team ready for the future.
Gambhir and Chairman of Selectors Ajit Agarkar made Sharma and Kohli aware of their focus on youth. Soon afterwards, both players announced their immediate retirements. This is a huge shift in the running of Indian cricket; Gambhir is now hands-on and rather empowered.
With the seniors walking away from Test cricket, the former captain now has the upper hand in Test cricket. Reports suggest that Shubman Gill will be appointed as the new Test captain. And since he is still learning, he will never resist following Gambhir’s instructions. Jasprit Bumrah, on the other hand, is a natural choice for the captaincy but it is going to be kept out of the discussion on admissibility due to concerns over the management of his workload as a fast bowler, especially now that fitness is an utmost concern for him.
India will take on England next month for a five-match Test series starting from June 20.
