New Delhi: In a move that marks a first in Indian cricket history, head coach Gautam Gambhir is set to accompany the India A team on their tour to England. This strategic decision comes ahead of India’s five-match Test series against England, scheduled from June 20 to August 4. By joining the India A team, Gambhir aims to assess the reserve pool of players, a crucial step in preparing for the upcoming Test series.
Gambhir’s decision to travel with the India A team reflects his commitment to strengthening India’s cricket talent pipeline. Since returning from Australia, he has been in discussions with the BCCI, emphasizing the need to get a clearer view of the available talent. This approach follows India’s recent Champions Trophy victory, where Gambhir’s insistence on including wild-card players proved successful.
The BCCI, along with Gambhir, chief selector Ajit Agarkar, and NCA head VVS Laxman, is prioritizing the revival of India A tours. These tours have been limited since Rahul Dravid left the NCA, with most being shadow tours for major series. Gambhir believes that more India A tours are essential for developing players and plans to take stock of the situation firsthand.
During the tour, Gambhir may also assess the form of senior players and identify potential backups. This proactive approach is part of a broader strategy to enhance India’s Test team performance, which has faced recent setbacks.
