Gambhir’s trio takes center stage!

Rohit Sharma addressed the shifting tides of coaching dynamics within the team during a media discussion on Tuesday noting that head coach Gautam Gambhirs approach diverges from that of his predecessor Rahul DravidIn Gambhirs inaugural stint as coach India displayed a mix of results sweeping the T20I series against Sri Lanka 30 but faltering in the subsequent ODI series with a 02 loss Reflecting on this period Sharma highlighted the inevitable adjustments that come with new leadershipObviously Rahul bhai Vikram Rathour former batting coach and Paras Mhambrey former bowling coach were a different team and it is only acceptable that the new support staff will bring different perspective Sharma remarked during the India vs Bangladesh preseries press conferenceHe continued ldquoBut the matches that we engaged in with the new staff in Sri Lanka they seemed to be sensible and understanding They began to learn things pretty quickly within the teamrdquoIn a twist worthy of a soap opera the BCCI has managed to turn the appointment of Gambhir as head coach into a spectacle that could rival any reality TV drama While Gambhirs imminent rise to the coaching throne was the worstkept secret in Indian cricket circles the real fireworks were ignited by his choices for the support staffNaturally the media couldnt resist turning this into a frenzy of speculation and intrigue with rumours swirling that BCCIs top brass particularly the influential Jay Shah had been playfully batting away Gambhirrsquos suggestions with a mix of indifference and possibly hidden amusementBut lo and behold Gambhir a twotime World Cup hero and IPL mentor who has achieved a surprising amount in a mere three seasons has had his say The newlook support staff now boasts a roster that includes Abhishek Nayar a former India and Mumbai allrounder and Dutchman Ryan Ten Doeschate as his two lsquoassistant coachesrsquo Meanwhile T Dilip the sole survivor from the previous regime continues as the fielding coachThe trio had their debut under Gambhirrsquos watchful eye during Indiarsquos practice sessions in Sri Lanka Gambhir ever the charismatic orator expressed his satisfaction with his new team at his inaugural press conference ldquoI have worked with people like Abhishek Nayar Ryan Ten Doeschate very closely In the last two months especially in the IPL I have enjoyed working with them They are thorough professionals Hope Ryan and Abhishek can have a successful stintrdquoSo who are these new recruits that have stirred up such a kerfuffleAbhishek NayarA figure of understated brilliance the 40yearold Nayar may have only donned the India colors in three ODIs but his domestic career is a testament to his skill and dedication With multiple Ranji Trophy titles under his belt from his extensive firstclass career Nayar has made a mark beyond just playing During his active days he played a pivotal role in mentoring Dinesh Karthik aiding his international comeback He has also credited with honing the finisherrsquos craft in Rinku Singh at the KKR academy in MumbaiThis season saw KKR clinch their first IPL title in a decade with Varun Chakravarthy lauding Nayar for his personal attention to uncapped players Additionally Nayar has had stints as head coach of Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League CPL proving his mettle across different leaguesRyan Ten DoeschateLabeling Ryan Ten Doeschate as just another cricketer would be an understatement Over a 15year international career with The Netherlands Ten Doeschate arguably became the most remarkable cricketer to emerge from the associate nations At 44 his legacy includes thrice winning the ICC Associate and Affiliate Player of the Year award between 2008 and 2011 and leading Essex with distinctionNotably Ten Doeschate was the first associate nation player to secure an IPL contract where he played under Gambhirrsquos captaincy at KKR for five seasons Their wellknown camaraderie was famously underscored by Gambhirrsquos willingness to lsquotake a bulletrsquo for Ten DoeschatePostretirement Ten Doeschate transitioned into coaching starting with Kent as their batting coach and currently serving as an assistant head coach with Los Angeles Knight Riders in the USArsquos Major League CricketMorne MorkelThe potential appointment of Morne Morkel as bowling coach is now officially confirmed after weeks of speculation Known for his precision and key role in South Africas bowling attack Morkelrsquos previous collaborations with Gambhirmdashat Lucknow Super Giants and Durbanrsquos Super Giants in the SA20mdashhave been welldocumentedAt 39 Morkels recent playing experience offers valuable insights and mentorship potential for Indias fastbowling brigade including Jasprit Bumrah His confirmation always seemed inevitable given his credentials and the BCCIs apparent willingness to indulge Gambhirrsquos preferencesWhile Gambhirs appointment as head coach might have been a predictable outcome the selection of his support staff has injected a dose of drama into the mix With his handpicked team having eventually now taken shape the anticipation is palpable as the new regime gears up to make its mark come this Thursday