'Played in Many T20 Series But...': Dinesh Karthik Points Out Major Concern for Team India Head Coach Gautam Gambhir

The former Indian wicketkeeper-batter, Dinesh Karthik has suggested that Gautam Gambhir is someone who would protect his players and is something that the Indian team would enjoy but the lack of experience coaching in the longest format could be a point of concern.

Karthik who has played with Gambhir on the international and franchise-cricket levels suggested that the Indian Head Coach is someone who had a good reason for losing is cool and not someone short-tempered.

“His aggression has generally come out in protection of his players and that is something the current lot of players will enjoy. Knowing him, he is not someone who gets angry for the heck of it,” Karthik told PTI. 

But Karthik also said that Gambhir is someone who would not mince his words as well when it came to his players and expects nothing but the best from his team.

“I’m sure he will have his turn with strong words for whoever it is required, and it is in his best interest to get the best out of the players,” he added.

Karthik, however, said lacking coaching experience in Test cricket could be on Gambhir’s mind as he enters his first assignment with the opening match against Bangladesh starting here on Thursday.

“He has been a part of numerous T20 tournaments. But this Test series will be completely new for him as a coach and it must be playing at the back of his mind,” Karthik said.

“He is someone who has navigated through tough waters. He’s got the acumen to understand the pulse of the game, which is extremely important as a coach.”

“He is at a very early stage as a coach, so it will be interesting how it pans out. However, I have confidence that he will deliver on all aspects. So far, it has worked well for him,” Karthik added.

Bangladesh are coming in top form having beaten Pakistan on their home turf with a 2-0 clean sweep. Karthik sees that the hosts would have to recognise this and up their game accordingly as well.

“It will start with a lot of confidence from Bangladesh. (For India) it’s about understanding that they are playing a slightly different Bangladesh team,” he said.

“But, India in India is a different kettle of fish to beat. It’s not going to be in any way as easy as compared to going outside and beating other countries in their backyard,” he concluded.

(with PTI Inputs)