Gautam Gambhir's appointment as head coach of the Indian men's cricket team was a fait accompli after Kolkata Knight Riders won the IPL title this year. It was a memorable ghar wapsi for Gambhir, who had captained the franchise to title wins in 2012 and 2014. Midway through the season, Rahul Dravid announced that he was not interested in an extension of his tenure, which cleared the path for Gambbhir to take over.
While he boasts an impressive body of work in all three formats at the international and domestic levels, Gambhir's task is onerous considering the hugely successful tenures of Dravid, and before him, Ravi Shastri.
Under Dravid, India reached the final of ICC tournaments in all three formats in a fascinating 18-month period, culminating in the T20 World Cup victory that finally broke a 13year barren spell.
Under Shastri, India could not secure an ICC title, but they did win their first-ever series in Australia in 2018-19, followed by an astonishing repeat performance in 2020-21 with an injury-hit team that had looked like fodder for the revenge-hungry Aussies.
Against this backdrop, comparisons are inevitable. So, while Gambhir takes guard at a time when Indian cricket is riding a crest, expectations from India's manic fans have also risen exponentially; fundamentally from players, of course, but also from the coach, who now plays such a crucial role in the sport.
The frequency with which coaches in Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have been dispensed with in recent times highlights how demanding the job can be. In this respect, Indian cricket has been more steadfast, not dumping coaches (and/or captains) with every setback. But this does not diminish the onus and pressure.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Hat-Trick Or Has-Beens?
India look to win their third straight Test series in Australia, but ageing superstars and recent humiliation at home have cast a shadow on their hopes
Constipation Can Put Your Heart At Risk
PEOPLE WITH CONSTIPATION have an increased risk of major cardiac events, including heart attack, stroke and heart failure, especially if they also have high blood pressure, finds an international study published in the American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology.
Too Much Sitting Can Accelerate Ageing
SITTING FOR EXTENDED PERIODS can harm the heart and accelerate ageing, even if you are young and get the minimum recommended amount of daily exercise, according to a US study published in the journal PLOS One.
Efficiency and innovation
As health care evolves, professionals must employ innovative methods to refine their skills
Level up
Only 30 per cent of needy patients are able to undergo transplant in India; we need more dedicated transplant centres
HOPE STEMS FROM A CELL
While stem cell therapies have shown success in treating blood disorders, orthopaedic ailments, autoimmune diseases and eye issues, there is hope that they can one day treat patients with heart disease, blindness, Parkinson's, HIV, diabetes and spinal cord injuries
Mind matters
Your mindset can limit or expand your physical ability
Cutting edge
Would you go under the knife if a robot was the one holding it? Or would you say, \"No way, I need a human touch\"? You might have to decide soon because a robot that can imitate skilled human surgeons is already here.
The smallest cut
Minimally invasive surgeries have a bright future, with virtual reality and 3D procedures offering greater precision and AI on the horizon
Signalling a revolution
Canadian scientist and entrepreneur Sachdev Sidhu is focused on bringing cutting-edge antibody engineering to his country of origin