Rohit Sharma Discusses Working with New Head Coach Gautam Gambhir & Co.

Chennai: India captain Rohit Sharma expressed confidence in his working relationship with newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir, who replaced Rahul Dravid earlier this year. Speaking ahead of India’s Test series against Bangladesh, Rohit acknowledged that Gambhir’s approach differs from Dravid’s but stressed the rapport he’s built with the fresh coaching staff.

Gambhir, a former World Cup-winning opener, took over the coaching role in July during India’s limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka. Under his guidance, India clinched the T20I series 3-0, although they lost the subsequent ODI series 0-2. Rohit addressed the changes in the support staff and emphasised the importance of adapting to new perspectives.

“Rahul bhai, Vikram Rathour and Paras Mhambrey had their own approach. Naturally, the new team brings fresh ideas,” Rohit said during the pre-series press conference on Tuesday. “However, the Sri Lanka tour gave us a chance to work together, and they quickly adapted to the team environment.”

With Dravid now coaching IPL side Rajasthan Royals, his former support staff members Rathour and Mhambrey have been replaced by Abhishek Nayar, Morne Morkel and Ryan ten Doeschate. Nayar’s appointment was expected, but Morkel and ten Doeschate, who worked with Gambhir at Kolkata Knight Riders, secured their roles over former pacers R Vinayakumar and L Balaji.

Rohit shared his confidence in working with Gambhir and Nayar due to their long association during their playing careers. “I’ve known Gautam and Abhishek for years. Every coach has a unique style, and it’s important to adapt,” he said. Though Rohit hasn’t worked directly with Morkel and ten Doeschate, he expressed familiarity from facing them in international cricket.

“The key to success is understanding and communication, and I’ve had no issues with the new team. We share a great working dynamic,” Rohit added.