Gautam Gambhir discusses player workload and availability in first press conference as India head coach

Gautam Gambhir held his first press conference as India’s head coach, joined by chief selector Ajit Agarkar. Gambhir discussed the importance of managing player workloads and expressed confidence that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma would be available for most of India’s matches. With both players having retired from T20Is, Gambhir hopes they will focus on Test and ODI formats.

Gambhir highlighted the special case of Jasprit Bumrah, calling him a “rare kind of bowler” and emphasizing the need for careful workload management. He explained that while batters in good form might play consistently, pacers like Bumrah require more strategic rest to stay fresh for key matches.

Despite speculation about their availability, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been included in the ODI squad for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka. Rohit will lead the ODI side, while Kohli’s presence in the squad is confirmed. Bumrah, who was named Player of the Tournament in the T20 World Cup 2024, will miss the Sri Lanka tour for rest and will return for the home series in India.