The retirement of titans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from Test cricket last month marked the start of a major shift for Team India. Gautam Gambhir has established himself as a dominating presence in the locker room ever since he was named head coach of India after the team's victory in the T20 World Cup in 2024. Gambhir's leadership style, characterized by his strong personality and no-nonsense attitude, has been obvious in everything from his daring picks to his blunt, undiplomatic statements at press meetings.

Following the departures of Kohli and Rohit, there was considerable speculation as to whether the team management, perhaps headed by Gambhir, had informed the legendary pair that their erratic performance no longer assured them a spot in the team. Although the precise cause of their retirement is still unknown, there is little question that Gambhir currently has significant influence over the team's course.

Many observers think that the squad is currently Gambhir's team in all respects because Shubman Gill has taken over as the Test captain. On the other hand, former Indian cricketer WV Raman presented a different viewpoint. Raman contends that targeting Gambhir is unjust and emphasizes that the captain has the final say.

"Coaches aren't always the center of attention." We are all aware that Gambhir is a skilled strategist, yes. Additionally, he is an extremely intense individual. Additionally, he has the team's best interests at heart. As a result, we must attempt to ignore the idea that everything should be connected to the coach. With his predecessors, we did not engage in such behavior. If you remember, we are doing it with him," Raman said to The Times of India.

"Therefore, the coach must always remain in the background. The coach should be allowed to carry out his duties. Additionally, he will make all choices according to his perspective. Because he is the only one who is fully aware of what is going on with every member of the team. And as far as this squad is concerned, it will always be known as a team led by a winning captain.

In line with Dhoni

Raman also thinks that the Indian team's current transition phase reflects the period during which MS Dhoni assumed the captaincy prior to the 2007 T20 World Cup. The first-time skipper, Dhoni, guided a young squad to the championship at the time, signaling the start of a golden age for Indian cricket.

"As far as this particular team is concerned, even if there's a lot of concern about how the series will turn out, I personally believe that this team is in the same position as Dhoni's team when they started on the inaugural T20 World Cup. There are no expectations. Therefore, this side has a significant advantage. This is a significant advantage for this side. Moreover, they have nothing to lose. "There is no other way but up," Raman said.

“I believe that's where this squad has the ability to surprise people. Let's not forget that India has always produced a few surprises in England, even if they haven't won many series there. India has always sprung a surprise or two in England, beginning with Chandra's (Bhagwath Chandrasekhar) spell and Ajit Wadekar's series win in 1971.

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