Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir asserted that he would continue making decisions he believes are right for the team’s interests rather than opting for popular choices to appease social media users. His remarks came during India’s tour of New Zealand.
Meanwhile, the team management’s selection decisions have attracted criticism from Indian cricket fans, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav spending most of the five-match T20I series on the sidelines. Their limited playing time has sparked discussions among fans, particularly over the team’s combination and selection strategy.
“First of all my job is not to make everyone happy. My job is to take the right decisions, not the popular decisions. And that is what I’m there for. I think sometimes in today’s day and age with so much of social media and all that chatter, what happens on the outside. No, it is very easy to take the popular decision. But for me, I think the important thing is to take the right decision and make sure that there is a lot of security inside the dressing room. Because as you just mentioned that there’s a lot of talent. But again, I think guys have done phenomenally well over a longer period of time. Obviously they deserve a longer rope. And that is exactly how we approach the series,” Gautam Gambhir told broadcasters.
Gambhir also lauded the Indian players for adapting exceptionally well to New Zealand conditions and clinching the T20I series. He highlighted the achievement, considering New Zealand’s strength in home conditions and India’s demanding cricketing schedule.
“Obviously it’s been a very short turnaround as well. We finished off on the 17th, flew on the 18th. Obviously we had one practice session. Got to give it to the boys, the way they adapted to the conditions. Obviously a lot of boys are coming here for the first time. And we all know how dangerous New Zealand is in their own backyard. So again, obviously guys adapted really well in the last four T20s,” he added.
