Team India is all set to undergo a revamp from the upcoming Sri Lanka tour, with Gautam Gambhir stepping in as the new head coach. The talented left-hander, who played a pivotal role in India’s two World Cup victories – in 2007 (T20) & 2011 (ODI) – is now ready to take on responsibilities in a different role.
Having led Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL triumph in 2024, Gambhir was the favorite to replace Rahul Dravid. Now that his appointment is official, curiosity looms about what the Gambhir era will bring.
Gambhir is known for his direct approach and backing the players. It will be interesting to see how he shapes the team, given that he favors having separate squads for white-ball and red-ball cricket and choosing players based on their domestic performance. 
Here are some changes we can expect under Gautam Gambhir’s leadership:
Focus on Domestic Performers
Indian cricket has often been criticized for favoring IPL stars over domestic performers. The IPL is a 20-over game, and some players have been picked for Tests and ODIs based on their IPL performance, which has caused debate. Despite not doing well in the Ranji Trophy, Washington Sundar and Ishan Kishan were chosen for the Test team. On the other hand, Sarfraz Khan earned his place in the Test team after scoring heavily in domestic cricket, raising questions about earlier selections. Gambhir, who supports picking players based on domestic performance, is likely to change this trend.
Different Teams for Different Formats
Modern cricket is demanding, and it’s hard for players to play all formats without risking injury. With a large talent pool, India can adopt format-specific teams, a strategy used successfully by Australia and England. India has tried this before with Shikhar Dhawan and Hardik Pandya. Under Gambhir, this approach is expected to take new shape, helping players stay fit and perform well. Players like Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad might get more chances to prove themselves.
Backing Impact Players
Gambhir is known for supporting his impact players. He stands by them even when they’re struggling. Indian selectors have often been inconsistent, but Gambhir will likely back his key players firmly. Players like Hardik Pandya have benefited from this kind of support. Gambhir is expected to create a secure environment for players like Rinku Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Abhishek Sharma.
Handling Off-Field Controversies
Gambhir is straightforward and takes responsibility, sometimes leading to off-field controversies. His past with Virat Kohli means the media might try to stir up sensational news. During Ravi Shastri’s tenure, despite successes, there were controversies. Gambhir’s more reserved lifestyle might help, but his tendency to support key players could still attract accusations of favoritism.
Return of Aggressive Play
Under Rahul Dravid, the Indian team had a calm and composed demeanor. Gambhir, known for his combative style, is expected to bring back aggression on the field. His first big test will be the tour to Australia, where fans hope to see the same intensity that led to India’s win in 2018. With important tournaments coming up, Gambhir’s leadership promises a return to aggressive cricket and heated rivalries, especially against Pakistan.
As Gambhir takes charge, one thing is clear: more passion and fire in the Indian team. His leadership aims to bring a new golden era for Indian cricket, with high hopes for upcoming major tournaments.
