Shamik Chakrabarty at Eden Gardens
In his first team talk after assuming the role of Kolkata Knight Riders mentor, Gautam Gambhir had stressed there would be “no senior and junior” in the team. It was Eden Gardens in March last year. After KKR won the IPL, Gambhir’s leadership was praised by every team member.
The former opener, part of two World Cup-winning sides, has a special bond with this venue, first as KKR captain and then as a backroom staff of the franchise. It is so deep-rooted that he even came back for a farewell shoot after becoming India’s coach. Gambhir is back at his beloved Eden. But at the moment, he is under pressure.
KKR’s title-winning team last year had Mitchell Starc, Andre Russell and Sunil Narine — stars in their own right but not demigods. Things were a bit different in India’s Test set-up. If there’s any power struggle in that dressing room, as an outpouring of leaks suggest, India’s T20 side doesn’t have prima donnas and it should work to Gambhir’s advantage. This is a team that is being built in his image, keeping stardust at arm’s length.
To start with, the head coach has a captain in this format with whom he has a fine working relationship. Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav complement each other. The latter said as much at the pre-match press conference.
“I have played under Gauti bhai for four years (at KKR),” said Surya. “I have spent a lot of time with him. I know how he works. Without talking he can read your mind. His style, coaching style, and we are moving in the right direction.”
What exactly is Gambhir’s coaching style? Is he flexible? “He (Gambhir) keeps things simple,” said Surya. “He gives a lot of freedom. And he lets the players express themselves.”
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Even during India’s practice on the match eve, the mood looked to be light. There was a team-bonding meeting on Monday evening, players mingling with the coaching staff and doing a sing-along.
Unlike Tests, India have been in great form in T20Is, winning nine matches out of the last 10. Their heavy artillery is nicely revving up and with the next T20 World Cup scheduled in 2026, the team’s quest for title defence starts with this series.
Surya, however, chose to live in the moment. “I think there is still a long way to go for the World Cup to happen,” he said. “We are taking it one series at a time. Like how we started in Sri Lanka, then we played Bangladesh and then we went to South Africa.”
Hardik Pandya being removed from the leadership scheme of things — Axar Patel is the new vice-captain in this format — was mentioned. Surya begged to differ.
“Hardik is also a part of the leadership group,” said the skipper. “The relationship with him has been really great.”
Surya hailed Mohammed Shami’s return to the fold and spoke about how his experience would help the team. After taking a break yesterday, the 34-year-old fast bowler had a good session at the nets today, bowling from a full run-up.
Ravi Bishnoi and Washington Sundar, too, bowled a lot at the nets. Varun Chakravarthy went through his paces as well. Given the dew factor, will India go with two spinners? Playing an extra fast bowler or Nitish Reddy as a seam-bowling all-rounder might be a better idea.
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