Reports: Gautam Gambhir’s first meeting with selectors to be held soon

Gautam Gambhir. (Source – Twitter/X)

The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) recently announced the appointment of former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir as the side’s new head coach. Gambhir will be taking over the reins from Rahul Dravid, whose tenure with the side ended after the 2024 T20 World Cup.

As per reports, Gambhir is all set to have his first meeting with the selection committee ahead of the Sri Lanka tour later this week. It is worth noting that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will not feature in the T20I squad, as they announced their retirement from the format.

Furthermore, their inclusion in the ODI series is unlikely as well. In their absence, KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya have become the frontrunners to lead India in the Sri Lanka series. KL Rahul is expected to lead the ODI side, with Pandya taking charge of the T20I squad.

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However, if Pandya naked himself from the series, Suryakumar Yadav could be given the side’s charge. “It is expected that in the absence of Rohit, Hardik and KL are the options to be given the captain’s responsibility. Both have captained the team earlier,” a source in the know was quoted as saying by News18.

Gambhir’s appointment raises expectations for Indian team’s success

“If Hardik is not available for the T20Is, you might see Suryakumar Yadav as captain in T20Is and Rahul in ODIs. But for now, it seems that Hardik and KL will lead the team,” the source added.

With the addition of Gautam Gambhir to the coaching staff, a lot is expected from the Indian team. As a player, Gambhir was influential in India’s 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup triumphs; furthermore, he has led Kolkata Knight Riders to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014 as a player, with the side’s third title coming in 2024 with Gambhir as a mentor.