India head coach Gautam Gambhir has responded to conspiracies about players being benched without informing the team, saying that the team doesn't hide anything from anyone. Gambhir who is generally slammed for his hard decisions and for tactically benching those who have done well in the match, referred to the communication with players as the most difficult part of his job.
"Communication has to be very clear, very honest. Sometimes, they are difficult conversations. If you tell someone that he is not playing, that is the hardest conversation for a coach and a player. But if you are honest and straightforward, there is nothing beyond that," said Gambhir in an interview with the BCCI.
Gautam Gambhir addressed baseless theories about team selection
Gautam Gambhir also condemned the circulation of baseless theories regarding team selection, praising the transparent environment maintained within the dressing room. “Some players understand that communication between a player and a coach should stay there, rather than people making a lot of hue and cry about it. This group and the support staff have done brilliantly in maintaining a transparent dressing room,” he added.
The coach faced scrutiny recently for benching key stars such as Sanju Samson, Kuldeep Yadav, and Arshdeep Singh, but he has consistently emphasized open conversations and a healthy team culture. Under his leadership, India recently defeated Australia 2-1 in the five-match T20I series, extending their unbeaten run in T20Is. The team now turns its focus to a two-match Test series against South Africa, beginning November 14 in Kolkata.
