The Indian men’s cricket team take on New Zealand in the third and final Test of the series in Mumbai, at the Wankhede Stadium, beginning 1 November. And ahead of the all-important Test, head coach Gautam Gambhir has urged his team to step up and try and win the match.
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Gautam Gambhir on coaching Team India
“It is simple, we have to try and win. More importantly, when we go to Australia, we should have a win under our belt. It is also a chance for people to do something special for the country. Very few people get this opportunity, to represent the country, and this is another opportunity for those who take the field in the 3rd Test,” said Gautam Gambhir.
Gautam Gambhir, who is admittedly happy about the way the Indian team has prepared for the third Test, said that the whole squad is available for selection. The former India opener spoke at length about his philosophy as a coach, saying, “Test cricket needs to be played like Test cricket. I think we should be a side that can get 400 in a day if we need to get a result, and we should also be able to bat out two days if needed. It’s about adaptability and playing according to the situation and more importantly it is about playing sessions as well. This is a format that will Test you everyday and in every way, and you need a lot of ability and mental strength to be successful in the format.”
He further explained, “Playing and coaching are two completely different things, you can only control certain things. But yes, it is also important to give freedom to people and sometimes when things aren’t going your way, it is always better to have your arm around the shoulder of the player, that is important. That is very important when you take up the coaching job.”
Gambhir may not have had the best start to his stint as a coach of the India team, and he said, “I never expected an easy start because international cricket is not easy. All we can do is be absolutely honest to ourselves and keep working hard, because ultimately, we want to try and win every game for India.”
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“We win together and we lose together. I can’t say the batters or bowlers have let us down, everyone has their responsibility, and they should take it up. From the coach, to the players, to the support staff, everyone,” he added.
The coach further spoke about how the team is hurting from the recent results. He said, “Obviously it is hurting, and it is good that it’s hurting. It should hurt. Every time you lose a game, home or away, it should hurt and that will make us better.”
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