New Delhi. Gautam Gambhir’s first press conference as the new head coach of Team India was important in many ways. Gambhir spoke openly on many issues including the future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli and made a big statement about the return of Mohammed Shami. His comments on work load management surprised many, especially considering his recent viral statement on the subject, which was completely different from his latest statement in the press conference. This time Gautam Gambhir said something that after hearing people are saying that Gambhir backtracked on his own words.
Gambhir’s previous statement on work load management
Gambhir’s previous comments on workload management had garnered a lot of attention. Speaking to Star Sports, he expressed doubts on injury management, saying, “I don’t believe in injury management. If you are injured, go and recover, it’s that simple. When you play international cricket, you should do as much as you can. Injuries are part of a player’s career. If you play all three formats and get injured, you can recover and come back into the team. I don’t believe in keeping some players only for Tests or managing their workload. If you are in great form, play all three formats.”
He went back on his words in the press conference
However, Gambhir’s stance on workload management in the press conference seemed different. Discussing Jasprit Bumrah, he said, “As I have said earlier, workload management is important for players like Bumrah. He is a rare bowler that any team would want. You want him to play important matches. So workload management is important not only for him but also for other fast bowlers.” He also informed that Ravindra Jadeja has been rested for the tour, which shows that his workload is also being managed. Gambhir emphasized that Team India has to play 10 Test matches soon, so Jadeja’s role is important in those matches.
Ajit Agarkar said, “There was no point in picking both Axar and Jadeja. One would have benched anyways. Jadeja is not dropped. A long Test season is coming”. pic.twitter.com/8CGz78jlOr
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 22, 2024
Sri Lanka tour will start from 27th July
Team India’s Sri Lanka tour will start from July 27. The tour will start with a three-match T20 series, in which matches will be played on July 27, July 28 and July 30. After the T20 series, three ODIs will be played on August 2, August 4 and August 7. The T20 matches will be held at the Pallekele Stadium, while the ODIs will be played at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.