Gambhir’s trio takes centre stage!

Rohit Sharma addressed the shifting tides of coaching dynamics within the team during a media discussion on Tuesday, noting that head coach Gautam Gambhir's approach diverges from that of his predecessor, Rahul Dravid.

In Gambhir's inaugural stint as coach, India displayed a mix of results, sweeping the T20I series against Sri Lanka 3-0, but faltering in the subsequent ODI series with a 0-2 loss. Reflecting on this period, Sharma highlighted the inevitable adjustments that come with new leadership.

"Obviously, Rahul bhai, Vikram Rathour (former batting coach) and Paras Mhambrey (former bowling coach) were a different team and it is only acceptable that the new support staff will bring different perspective," Sharma remarked during the India vs Bangladesh pre-series press conference.

He continued, "But the matches that we engaged in (with the new staff) in Sri Lanka, they seemed to be sensible and understanding. They began to learn things pretty quickly within the team."

In a twist worthy of a soap opera, the BCCI has managed to turn the appointment of Gambhir as head coach into a spectacle that could rival any reality TV drama. While Gambhir's imminent rise to the coaching throne was the worst-kept secret in Indian cricket circles, the real fireworks were ignited by his choices for the support staff.

Naturally, the media couldn't resist turning this into a frenzy of speculation and intrigue, with rumours swirling that BCCI's top brass, particularly the influential Jay Shah, had been playfully batting away Gambhir's suggestions with a mix of indifference and, possibly, hidden amusement.

But lo and behold, Gambhir, a two-time World Cup hero and IPL mentor who has achieved a surprising amount in a mere three seasons, has had his say. The new-look support staff now boasts a roster that includes Abhishek Nayar, a former India and Mumbai all-rounder, and Dutchman Ryan Ten Doeschate as his two ‘assistant coaches'. Meanwhile, T. Dilip, the sole survivor from the previous regime, continues as the fielding coach.

The trio had their debut under Gambhir's watchful eye during India's practice sessions in Sri Lanka. Gambhir, ever the charismatic orator, expressed his satisfaction with his new team at his inaugural press conference. "I have worked with people like Abhishek Nayar, Ryan Ten Doeschate very closely. In the last two months, especially in the IPL, I have enjoyed working with them. They are thorough professionals. Hope Ryan and Abhishek can have a successful stint."

So, who are these new recruits that have stirred up such a kerfuffle?

Abhishek Nayar

A figure of understated brilliance, the 40-year-old Nayar may have only donned the India colors in three ODIs, but his domestic career is a testament to his skill and dedication. With multiple Ranji Trophy titles under his belt from his extensive first-class career, Nayar has made a mark beyond just playing. During his active days, he played a pivotal role in mentoring Dinesh Karthik, aiding his international comeback. He has also credited with honing the finisher's craft in Rinku Singh at the KKR academy in Mumbai.

This season saw KKR clinch their first IPL title in a decade, with Varun Chakravarthy lauding Nayar for his personal attention to uncapped players. Additionally, Nayar has had stints as head coach of Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), proving his mettle across different leagues.

Ryan Ten Doeschate

Labeling Ryan Ten Doeschate as just another cricketer would be an understatement. Over a 15-year international career with The Netherlands, Ten Doeschate arguably became the most remarkable cricketer to emerge from the associate nations. At 44, his legacy includes thrice winning the ICC Associate and Affiliate Player of the Year award between 2008 and 2011 and leading Essex with distinction.

Notably, Ten Doeschate was the first associate nation player to secure an IPL contract, where he played under Gambhir's captaincy at KKR for five seasons. Their well-known camaraderie was famously underscored by Gambhir's willingness to ‘take a bullet' for Ten Doeschate.

Post-retirement, Ten Doeschate transitioned into coaching, starting with Kent as their batting coach and currently serving as an assistant head coach with Los Angeles Knight Riders in the USA's Major League Cricket.

Morne Morkel

The potential appointment of Morne Morkel as bowling coach is now officially confirmed after weeks of speculation. Known for his precision and key role in South Africa's bowling attack, Morkel's previous collaborations with Gambhir - at Lucknow Super Giants and Durban's Super Giants in the SA20 - have been well-documented.

At 39, Morkel's recent playing experience offers valuable insights and mentorship potential for India's fast-bowling brigade, including Jasprit Bumrah. His confirmation always seemed inevitable, given his credentials and the BCCI's apparent willingness to indulge Gambhir's preferences.

While Gambhir's appointment as head coach might have been a predictable outcome, the selection of his support staff has injected a dose of drama into the mix. With his handpicked team having eventually now taken shape, the anticipation is palpable as the new regime gears up to make its mark, come this Thursday.