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The BCCI has reportedly agreed to every demand made by Gautam Gambhir right from coaching staff to pitches.
Gautam Gambhir’s rein as head coach has had a mixed start. (BCCI Photo)
Gautam Gambhir will reportedly be quizzed by the BCCI over the decision taken since he’s taken over as the head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team as part of its review over their poor show against New Zealand at home. India suffered a historic 0-3 whitewash at the hands of the visitors despite having the history and home advantage on their side.
According to a report in The Times of India, the team asking for rank turners despite a shift in stance earlier this year when they beat England 4-1 in a five-match Test series on sporting pitches is also under scrutiny. The team reportedly asked for pitches helping spinners after they lost the opening Test to New Zealand in Bengaluru where they were stunned by the conditions that aided seam and swing bowling.
“The decision to go back to rank turners caught a few people in the board by surprise. The new support staff under Gautam Gambhir will be asked about their vision for taking the team forward,” TOI quoted a source as claiming.
Gambhir’s “every demand” has reportedly been accepted by the BCCI including the support staff which saw the appointment of Abhishek Nayar, Morne Morkel and Ryan ten Doeschate.
Additionally, the former India opener also attended the selection meeting for the Australia tour which has become a bone of contention.
“The BCCI has agreed to every demand of Gambhir so far,” the source said. “He has been given a support staff of his choice despite BCCI’s policy of promoting coaches they have groomed through NCA’s programme. He has also been allowed to attend the selection meeting to pick the team for the Australia tour. The board may have to revisit its decisions and ask Gambhir for a roadmap.”
The review meeting is expected to be attended by captain Rohit Sharma, Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar.
Earlier, news agency PTI had reported that Gambhir was allowed to attend the selection meeting due to the magnitude of the Australia tour even though the BCCI doesn’t allow coaches to be part of such discussions.
“Gautam Gambhir was given access which his predecessors Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid didn’t have. The BCCI’s rule book doesn’t allow coaches to be a part of the selection committee meetings, but for the Australia tour selection meeting, an exception was made. The head coach was allowed to attend considering the magnitude of the tour,” PTI quoted a source as saying.
