June 6, 2025
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Gautam Gambhir

India tour of England | 'I’m always under pressure,' says Team India coach Gautam Gambhir | Cricket News

India tour of England | ‘I’m always under pressure,’ says Team India coach Gautam Gambhir | Cricket News

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Mumbai: India’s Test cricket team captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir during the pre-departure press conference ahead of the five-match Test cricket series against England, in Mumbai. (PTI Photo/Shashank Parade)(PTI06_05_2025_000349A) Mumbai: India head coach Gautam Gambhir always feels like a marked man. Recently, in a TV interview, he had stated that some former players questioned his competence as coach when the team lost in Australia, and how issues were created about the distribution of the Champions Trophy reward.The knives had already started to get sharpened when a team usually dominant at home lost 0-3 to New Zealand before the trip Down Under last year.If one thinks victory in the Champions Trophy in the UAE would have eased the spotlight, Gambhir says he is under no such illusion. “Regardless of whether I would have won the Champions Trophy or not, I’m always under pressure. Being the Indian coach, you want results. It does not change with winning or losing.”The England tour will be another tough gig for Gambhir as he leads a young captain and a young team, sans the superstars of the past, as India eye an improved show in their bid to qualify for the final of the 2027 World Test Championship. Gautam Gambhir sends stern message after Bengaluru tragedy While the endless supply line of players in white-ball cricket makes his task for the shorter formats easier, the transition in red-ball cricket is a potentially rocky path. Overseas Test success is something that Indian coaches are evaluated on and Gambhir is aware of it. “It’s a good opportunity to do something special for the country,” he said. “We have a talented squad and a bunch of players who are willing to express themselves and do something special.”One of the talismans in the squad is the genius called Jasprit Bumrah. One saw in Australia how heavily India’s attack depended on him. With the medical team and chief selector ajit Agarkar making it clear that Bumrah’s workload will be monitored and he will play only three of the five Tests, it is a tricky call for Gambhir to decide which of the five Tests Bumrah will feature in. “We have not taken that call which three games he is going to play,” he said, adding: “It depends on the state of the series and which way the series is heading. I’m sure he is aware of that too.”

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Gautam Gambhir unsure about how to manage Jasprit Bumrah's workload management on ENG tour: 'We haven't taken the call…'

Gautam Gambhir unsure about how to manage Jasprit Bumrah’s workload management on ENG tour: ‘We haven’t taken the call…’

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Jun 06, 2025 06:08 AM IST Head coach Gambhir asserted that they will decide Bumrah’s participation in matches depending on how the series plays out. Gautam Gambhir remains uncertain about how to manage Jasprit Bumrah’s workload during the upcoming England tour, acknowledging that the premier pacer won’t feature in all five Tests. While hinting that Bumrah is likely to play three matches, Gambhir admitted that the specific Tests he’ll participate in are yet to be decided. During the squad announcement for the England tour, India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar revealed that, based on feedback from the medical team, 31-year-old Jasprit Bumrah will not be available for all five Tests. Jasprit Bumrah led the Indian team in a couple of Test against Australia under Gautam Gambhir’s coaching.(AFP) Head coach Gambhir asserted that they will decide Bumrah’s participation in matches depending on how the series plays out. “We haven’t taken that call, which three games is he going to play,” Gambhir said during India’s pre-departure press conference in Mumbai. “We are going to have a discussion with him and depending on the series as well. A lot will depend on the results of the series, where the series is heading. That is something which I am sure he is very well aware of as well and that is important,” he added. Bumrah hurt his back after the playing all five Tests in Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 and was later missed out on Champions Trophy after failing to recover in time. The selectors and team management don’t want a similar situation to arise in future. Gautam Gambhir isn’t overly concerned about Bumrah missing a couple of the Tests, expressing confidence in the rest of his bowling unit to step up in his absence—just as they successfully did during the Champions Trophy. “I have said it before during the Champions Trophy [which Bumrah missed and India won] as well, it will give someone the opportunity to put his hand up and we have got enough talent there. I know that he is quality but we have got enough quality apart from him as well in the squad,” Gambhir said. ‘We’ve a great set of bowlers who can get the job done’: Gill Gill echoed similar sentiments, emphasising that India’s pace attack has enough depth and quality to not only cover for Bumrah’s absence but also to win Test matches from any position. “I think we have picked enough bowlers and we have enough pace battery and a lot of fast bowlers are in a great space to be able to win us Test matches from any situation or any position,” Gill said. “Obviously when you have someone like Jasprit Bumrah, depending on how many matches he would play, whenever he would come back and play the match for us, it would be a great sight for us. But I think we have a great mix of bowlers and a great set of bowlers who can get the job for the team done,” he added. News / Cricket News / Gautam Gambhir unsure about how to manage Jasprit Bumrah’s workload management on ENG tour: ‘We haven’t taken the call…’ See Less

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Chinnaswamy Stadium Stampede: Victims Family Demands Answers

Shubman Gill aims to craft own captaincy style for India’s Test team, not fazed by Bazball

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India’s new Test captain Shubman Gill has said he does not intend to follow any particular style of leadership, instead hoping to shape his own identity as he gains experience. Gill, however, stressed his focus on providing teammates with clarity and a secure environment to perform at their best. Gill was addressing the media for the first time since being appointed as India’s Test captain. He and head coach Gautam Gambhir spoke at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) headquarters on the eve of the team’s departure to England for a five-match Test series. Named captain last month by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee, Gill takes over following Rohit Sharma’s retirement from Test cricket. He will lead a youthful and relatively inexperienced squad in England, with both Rohit and Virat Kohli stepping away from the longest format in June. “My style of captaincy will be my own; it will develop with experience. I will want to make the players feel safe, comfort them, and build strong bonds. Players need to feel secure… only then can they give 100 percent,” said Gill. At 25, Gill is among the youngest to lead the Indian Test side in recent years. While he lacks leadership experience in red-ball cricket, he captained India during a five-match T20I series in Zimbabwe in 2024 and led Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League, embracing the pressure that comes with the role. However, in first-class cricket, Gill has captained Punjab in just five matches, winning only one. Gill admitted he was overwhelmed upon learning of his appointment, having been chosen ahead of experienced players like Jasprit Bumrah and KL Rahul, both former captains. “When I came to know about the Test captaincy, I was overwhelmed by the honour and the opportunity. It is a big responsibility, and I’m looking forward to the challenge,” he said. GILL NOT BOTHERED BY BAZBALL TALKS India’s campaign in England will mark the beginning of a new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. The first Test begins on 20 June at Headingley, Leeds. England, under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, have reinvented their Test game with an ultra-aggressive style dubbed ‘Bazball’. While they were outplayed by India in their 2023 away series, they remain formidable at home, having won 15 of their 20 Tests since the duo took charge. Gill, however, remained unfazed by England’s aggressive approach. “They play a certain way. I think we saw that when they came to India as well,” he said. “It’s very exciting for us. It gives us an opportunity, a great challenge. If we are very proactive with our execution and with our plans, I think it would put them under immense pressure.” Published By: Akshay Ramesh Published On: Jun 5, 2025 Tune In

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Shubman Gill shows first sign of bold captaincy in addressing Kohli, Rohit's Test exit: 'No different pressure'

Shubman Gill shows first sign of bold captaincy in addressing Kohli, Rohit’s Test exit: ‘No different pressure’

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Jun 05, 2025 11:06 PM IST Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired from Test cricket last month While the world will still have to wait for another fortnight to get a true glimpse of Shubman Gill’s captaincy in Test cricket, with the India star set to become the youngest leader of the team in this century, come the Test series against England, the 25-year-old gave the first sign of his bold leadership when he addressed the sudden retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma before the tour. Indian cricket captain Shubman Gill addresses a pre-departure presser at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) headquarters in Mumbai on June 5, 2025, ahead of India’s tour of England for Test series(AFP) Less than a month before the Indian team’s departure for the tour of England, Rohit announced his retirement from Test cricket via Instagram. Just five days later, Kohli did the same. The back-to-back announcements left an air of uncertainty around the strength of the Indian team, especially before the crucial series against England. However, Gill boldly dismissed questions about any pressure on the young Indian team in the absence of the two stalwarts, saying it was just like any tough situation they had faced before. “Pressure is always there in every tour. Definitely, two very experienced players who played for such a long time and won so many times, very difficult to fill their space. But it is not a different kind of pressure, all of us players are used to it,” he said in the pre-tour presser on Wednesday. India will have experienced players in KL Rahul, returning Karun Nair, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and of course, Jasprit Bumrah. Gill also opened up about the kind of captain he wanted to be, saying that he wanted to make players feel secure during his tenure through communication. “No particular style that I want to follow. I like communication with the players, making them feel secure. Making a bond with the players is very important for me as a captain. It is only when players are secure that they will give you their 100 percent,” he said. The England series will begin on June 20 at the Headingley. News / Cricket News / Shubman Gill shows first sign of bold captaincy in addressing Kohli, Rohit’s Test exit: ‘No different pressure’ See Less

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IND vs ENG: Will Jasprit Bumrah play all five Tests? Gautam Gambhir drops major hint ahead of England tour | Cricket News

IND vs ENG: Will Jasprit Bumrah play all five Tests? Gautam Gambhir drops major hint ahead of England tour | Cricket News

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Gautam Gambhir (AP Photo) NEW DELHI: How many matches will Jasprit Bumrah play in the India vs England Test series? Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir on Thursday provided a key update on Bumrah’s availability ahead of the much-anticipated five-match Test series in England, which begins on June 20 at Headingley in Leeds.“We haven’t taken the call on which 3 games he will play. We will have a discussion with him and depending on the series and results and how the series is heading. I am sure he is very well aware of as well,” Gambhir said.“It is difficult to replace someone like Bumrah but we have enough quality. Like I said in the Champions Trophy, it gives an opportunity to another player to put their hands up,” he added.India enter the series under the leadership of new Test captain Shubman Gill, who has taken over the reins following Rohit Sharma’s retirement from red-ball cricket.The England tour marks the beginning of India’s campaign in the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle. The five-Test series will be played at historic venues — Headingley, Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford, and The Oval — between June and August. ‘A particularly special feeling’: Andy Flower hails Virat Kohli, RCB after historic title win This series not only marks a major overseas assignment but also the beginning of a new era for Indian cricket. As Shubman Gill embarks on his captaincy journey, he carries the legacy of past greats, along with the expectations and hopes of a promising future.India Squad: Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (VC & WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep YadavEngland Squad: Ben Stokes (C), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Chris WoakesTest series schedule:1st Test: June 20–24, 2025 – Headingley, Leeds2nd Test: July 2–6, 2025 – Edgbaston, Birmingham3rd Test: July 10–14, 2025 – Lord’s, London4th Test: July 23–27, 2025 – Old Trafford, Manchester5th Test: July 31–August 4, 2025 – The Oval, London

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India vs England: Gautam Gambhir drops massive playing XI hint, backs experienced batter in English conditions | Cricket News

India vs England: Gautam Gambhir drops massive playing XI hint, backs experienced batter in English conditions | Cricket News

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Indian cricket test team captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir (AP Photo) NEW DELHI: India head coach Gautam Gambhir has dropped a significant hint about the playing XI for the upcoming England Test series, voicing strong support for experienced batter Karun Nair. “When someone has scored heaps of runs, we won’t judge them by 1-2 tests. If someone has scored heaps of runs, we have to give him opportunities,” Gambhir said during a press conference attended by the head coach and Team India’s test skipper Shubman Gill on Thursday. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“Karun Nair’s experience and form will come in handy in England.”Nair’s Test journey has been a rollercoaster. After a dazzling 303 not out against England in 2016, he found himself out of favour within months. A disappointing series against Australia and being benched during the 2018 England tour stalled his rise. But Nair never gave up.His comeback was forged through persistence. A prolific 2023 stint in county cricket, followed by a dominant 2024-25 domestic season, including 863 Ranji Trophy runs, showcased a batter reborn. Shubman Gill returns to the city where it all started for him as a youngster His recent double century for India A against England Lions further strengthened his claim.Mentally stronger, technically refined, and hungry for redemption, Nair has done more than just knock; he’s broken the door down. With Gambhir now backing him publicly, a place in the playing XI at Headingley on June 20 looks increasingly likely.India Squad: Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (VC & WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep YadavEngland Squad: Ben Stokes (C), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Chris WoakesTest Series Schedule: 1st Test: England v India, 20-24 June 2025, Headingley, Leeds 2nd Test: England v India, 2-6 July 2025, Edgbaston, Birmingham 3rd Test: England v India, 10-14 July 2025, Lord’s, London 4th Test: England v India, 23-27 July 2025, Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester 5th Test: England v India, 31 July-4 August 2025, Kia Oval, London

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'Cannot lose 11 people': Gautam Gambhir makes a strong statement on Bengaluru stampede, RCB celebrations | Cricket News

‘Cannot lose 11 people’: Gautam Gambhir makes a strong statement on Bengaluru stampede, RCB celebrations | Cricket News

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NEW DELHI: Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir made a strong statement on the tragic stampede in Bengaluru that occurred during RCB’s IPL 2025 victory celebrations. The incident resulted in the loss of several lives and left many others injured. Gambhir, along with newly appointed Test captain Shubman Gill, addressed the media in Mumbai ahead of the team’s departure for England for a five-match Test series.“I was never a believer of road shows. I had the same statement to make even after winning in 2007, we should never have roadshows. Maybe in the future we can do something in a stadium. My heart goes to the families of those who lost their lives,” Gambhir said.“All I can say is, we need to be responsible. Every life matters. If we are not ready to hold a road show, we should not do that. You cannot at any point of time lose 11 people,” he added.Shubman Gill was named the new captain of the Indian Test team, a decision officially announced by the BCCI during the squad unveiling for the upcoming England tour, set to begin on June 20. RCB Victory Parade: At least 8 Dead, Several Injured In Stampede Outside Bengaluru Stadium India’s tour of England also marks the start of their ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 campaign, with the five-Test series scheduled at iconic venues: Headingley, Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford, and The Oval.This series represents more than just another overseas assignment—it signals the dawn of a new era in Indian cricket. As Gill takes charge, he not only inherits the legacy left behind by stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and R. Ashwin but also carries the promise of a fresh chapter for the team. Gautam Gambhir sends stern message after Bengaluru tragedy India Squad: Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (VC & WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep YadavEngland Squad: Ben Stokes (C), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Chris WoakesTest series schedule:1st Test: England v India, 20-24 June 2025, Headingley, Leeds2nd Test: England v India, 2-6 July 2025, Edgbaston, Birmingham3rd Test: England v India, 10-14 July 2025, Lord’s, London4th Test: England v India, 23-27 July 2025, Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester5th Test: England v India, 31 July-4 August 2025, Kia Oval, London

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Gautam Gambhir breaks silence on 11 deaths in Bengaluru during RCB's IPL celebration: 'I've never believed in roadshows'

Gautam Gambhir breaks silence on 11 deaths in Bengaluru during RCB’s IPL celebration: ‘I’ve never believed in roadshows’

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Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir addressed the tragedy of Wednesday in Bengaluru, where a stampede led to the loss of 11 lives and injured multiple individuals outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Gambhir was blunt in his assessment, saying that he is not a fan of roadshows, urging the authority to be a lot more responsible. The former India batter mentioned that no matter how big the occasion is, such over-the-top celebrations should be curbed to ensure the safety of people. Indian cricket captain Shubman Gill (L) and head coach Gautam Gambhir address a pre-departure presser(AFP) The Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who won their maiden IPL trophy by beating Punjab Kings in the final, were in for a festive day, with felicitations and a packed Chinnaswamy Stadium ready to welcome and cherish their feat. But the tragedy that unfolded left players, authorities and the franchise shocked. The police lost control of the sea of humanity outside the stadium, eventually leading to multiple deaths. Gambhir stressed that there is nothing more important than the lives of people, and if that is put in jeopardy, some serious soul-searching is required.  “I was never a believer that we need to have roadshows. Even when I was playing, I had the same statement to make. After winning in 2007 [T20 World Cup], I felt that we should not have roadshows. The lives of the people are far more important, and I will continue to say that. Even in future, I think we can be a little bit aware and not hold these roadshows,” Gambhir said ahead of the Indian team’s departure for England in Mumbai on Thursday. Also Read: ‘Can’t believe Virat Kohli knew people were dying outside and…’; RCB’s ‘over-the-top’ hype blamed for Bengaluru stampede “Have it under closed doors, or a low-profile affair inside a stadium. But it is very tragic what happened yesterday, and my heart goes out to the families of people who lost their loved ones. I hope that in future, nothing like this happens because we are all responsible citizens.” ‘Might as well cancel these roadshows’, says Gautam Gambhir As Gambhir pointed out, he has been part of two open-bus victory parades during his career: once with the Indian team in Mumbai, after they won the 2007 T20 World Cup, and once with the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2012. However, things in Mumbai were managed so spotlessly that not a single disturbing piece of news came of it. In fact, just last year, after winning the T20 World Cup in the West Indies, the players were part of another road show, again conducted seamlessly in the same city.  RCB have copped plenty of flak for continuing with the celebrations inside the stadium even as people died outside, with the franchise getting named in an FIR that was launched earlier in the day. Gambhir reiterated his point that if the infrastructure is not ready to handle an event of such magnitude, pulling off the plug is the best option. “It does not matter how big or small the fanbase is. It does not matter who I hold responsible. Like I said, even when I was playing, I wasn’t a believer in such road shows. I stand by it today and in future too. Yes, winning is important, and celebrations are important, but more important are the lives of people. So, if you are not ready or suited to handle that kind of crowd, then you might as well cancel these roadshows,” the head coach further added.

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Shubman Gill's 'Sehwag-like game' a chink in the armour as Ponting warns of fresh 'challenge': He needs to bat at...

Shubman Gill’s ‘Sehwag-like game’ a chink in the armour as Ponting warns of fresh ‘challenge’: He needs to bat at…

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Despite comparing India’s new Test captain Shubman Gill, to the legendary Virender Sehwag, former Australia captain Ricky Ponting outlined that a similar approach is likely to meet a fresh challenge in the upcoming tour of England, and hence has work to do on his Test match batting. The Aussie great also called for a change in his batting position, considering the added responsibility of captaincy. Shubman Gill will be leading India in the England Test series(AFP) Speaking to PTI, Ponting addressed Gill’s much-criticised defensive technique, which has cost the youngster multiple times in his short career thus far. And although he sees no technical flaw in his approach, he reckoned Gill has to work on the mental side of Test match batting. “It’s a bit both. There are some of the great Test players that haven’t had great defensive games, and (Virender) Sehwag is probably a great example of that. But if you’re in control of your stroke-play, you don’t have to worry too much about your defence. I mean, obviously it’s (defence) a big part of Test match cricket, but I think it’s more his mental application,” he explained. “(But) I think sometimes you might just get a little bit either ahead of himself or a little bit lazy in the middle of a test match innings. You can’t afford to do that. You’ve got to be 100 per cent committed to every ball that you face through six or seven hours of every day…I think that’s the challenge for Shubman.” Gill to replace Virat Kohli at No. 4? The biggest question since Kohli’s departure from Test cricket last month was who would replace the former India captain at No. 4 in the line-up. Ponting backed Gill for the role, at least for the initial phase of his leadership tenure, which will begin on June 20 in Leeds with the five-match Test series against the Ben Stokes-led side. “…the reason I did that was if they go with (Yashasvi) Jaiswal, and if Sai Sudarshan is the other opener, they need someone a bit more experienced at number three. So that could be either, KL at three, or that could be a Karun Nair at three and Shubman at four. “…once you grow into it, then you can move yourself back up to that number three spot,” said one of the finest batters of his generation.

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