New Delhi: India head coach Gautam Gambhir has underlined his team first philosophy following Sanju Samson’s match winning 97 against West Indies, insisting that smaller contributions deserve equal recognition.
Reflecting on the victory, Gambhir pointed to the decisive role played by Shivam Dube, whose two boundaries in the penultimate over proved vital in sealing the chase. He argued that without those crucial hits, the spotlight may not have shone as brightly on Samson’s knock.
According to Gambhir, Indian cricket has often focused only on headline making performances while overlooking the efforts that quietly tilt games in a team’s favour. He maintained that every contribution that helps the side cross the finish line holds equal value and stressed that this principle will guide the team during his tenure as coach.
The former opener also shared his unconventional coaching outlook, revealing that he places greater faith in instinct than in statistical analysis. While modern T20 cricket heavily relies on data driven strategies, Gambhir said he prefers trusting his understanding of the game and backing his gut feeling. He emphasised that the final decisions rest with the captain, though he provides guidance drawn from his experience.
Highlighting the depth within the squad, Gambhir cited bowlers such as Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakravarthy as players who can be deployed effectively at different stages of a match. He also noted that India’s batting power ensures the team remains competitive in challenging chases.
Looking ahead to the semifinal against England cricket team led by Harry Brook, Gambhir described the opposition as world class and acknowledged the demanding nature of the Wankhede venue. He expressed hope that India would seize the opportunity to deliver a special performance for the country.
