While most Indian cricketers are gearing up for the IPL, following their respective commitments with their franchises, India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has charted a unique course. Instead of taking time off, Gambhir is fully committed to enhancing Indian cricket by overseeing the development of emerging players, particularly through India A tours.
After taking over as head coach following India's T20 World Cup victory, Gambhir has been facing challenges, particularly in the Test format. India suffered a heavy 0-3 defeat to New Zealand at home and then lost the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy to Australia. Determined to ensure India’s future success, particularly ahead of a challenging five-Test series in England this summer, Gambhir has initiated discussions with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to take charge of the India A tour to the UK. This move signals his proactive stance to monitor and nurture the next generation of cricketers.
A STRATEGIC MOVE FOR INDIA'S
FUTURE TALENT POOL
India A tours, once an integral part of the cricketing calendar, have seen a decline in recent years. However, Gambhir is keen on reviving this vital component of India’s cricketing structure. Unlike his predecessors Rahul Dravid and Ravi Shastri, who tended to step back during the IPL season, Gambhir is actively looking to engage in these tours, ensuring that promising young players get the exposure they need. His commitment to this cause comes with a long-term vision: developing players capable of leading India into future global challenges, including the 2027 World Cup and the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.
According to sources, Gambhir has been in regular talks with the BCCI and has expressed his eagerness to travel with the India A team to get firsthand insight into the talent pool. His role in India’s Champions Trophy victory, which saw the inclusion of several wild card players based on his suggestions, indicates his growing influence in the team’s selection process. Gambhir is expected to continue asserting his vision for Indian cricket's future.
THE ROLE GAMBHIR WILL PLAY IN INDIA A TOURS
It remains to be seen whether Gambhir will assume a mentor’s role or take over the coaching responsibilities currently handled by VVS Laxman during the India A tour. Regardless of the exact role, what’s clear is that Gambhir is deeply committed to this initiative. His primary objective is to identify and nurture fresh talent from India’s vast pool of players, preparing them to represent India on the international stage.
The upcoming Test series against England, starting June 20, is a significant opportunity for India to regroup and showcase their strength. Gambhir intends to arrive in the UK ahead of time to ensure his efforts are well in place, focusing not only on the senior team’s performance but also on identifying potential future stars for India’s cricketing future.
GAMBHIR’S VISION: REVIVING THE LEGACY OF INDIA A TOURS
India A tours were once a cornerstone of the team’s development process, especially during Rahul Dravid’s tenure as coach of the National Cricket Academy (NCA). However, following Dravid’s transition to the senior team, the frequency of A tours has diminished. Gambhir now seeks to reignite this golden era of India A tours, hoping to rejuvenate the pipeline of cricketing talent in the country.
As one source pointed out, "There have been very few A tours since Dravid left the NCA, and most of those have been shadow tours for major series. Gambhir believes more A tours are essential to maintaining a strong cricketing ecosystem. That’s why he is keen on directly overseeing these tours."
Through his involvement, Gambhir is expected to bring a new, systematic approach to India A tours, ensuring a more consistent and robust pathway for players coming through the ranks. With his leadership and unwavering focus on India’s future success, the revival of India A tours holds the potential to be a game-changer for the country’s cricketing future.
