The much-awaited Gautam Gambhir Press Conference took place on Monday in Mumbai with Team India's new Head Coach addressing the media and answering the burning questions of the fans & media. Gautam Gambhir was joined by chief selector & former cricketer Ajit Agarkar during the press conference. Gambhir opened up about his relationship with Virat Kohli and also the mystery revolving around his support staff. Below is an excerpt from Gautam Gambhir's Press Conference-
1) On relationship with Virat Kohli
Gautam Gambhir & Virat Kohli have often indulged in on-field verbal spat. When asked about this, Team India's new Head Coach said, "Good for TRP. My relationship is not public. It's a relationship between two mature individuals. On the field, I am sure we have got to be on the same page. I share a very good relationship with him. I have had a lot of chats with him. We shared messages. It's not important what we discussed after my announcement or before my announcement. Just because we want headlines. He is a thorough professional., he is a world-class player. Hopefully, we can work together really well. Our job is to make the country proud together. We are representing more than a billion people. We have got to be on the same page."
2) Who will in Gautam Gambhir's support staff?
Responding to the media query, Gambhir said, "Really happy. The BCCI. They have agreed to most of the things I have asked for. I keep reading these stuff. Abhishek, as assistant coach. And Ryan Ten Doescathe, as assistant coach. You will get to know thee exact support staff after the Sri Lanka series. Abhishek Nayar is there. Sairaj Bahutule is there. Dilip is there. Ryan will join in Colombo."
3) On different teams for the different format
Gambhir said, "Going forward these things happen. Virat, Rohit and Ravindra are not there. Right now, you can say there will be three different teams. T20 cricket is going through a transition. But, in 50-over and Test cricket, consistency is the key. if we can find players who can play those two formats consistently, you can play them. Consistency is key for that. That's my opinion, the chairman can speak more about it."
4) On Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli's future
Gautam Gambhir dropped a major hint that the duo may play till 2027 World Cup. "I think they have shown what they can deliver on the big stage, whether it's the T20 World Cup or the 50-over World Cup. Both those guys have a lot of cricket left in them. Champions Trophy is coming up, a big Test series is coming up in Australia. They will be motivated for the Champions Trophy and if they can keep their fitness, they can play the 2027 World Cup."
"This is a very personal decision. I can't say how much cricket is left in them. Looking at what Virat and Rohit have done, they are still world-class player. There is still a lot of cricket left in them."