As Team India prepares to begin a blockbuster home season with three ODIs and five T20Is against the West Indies, head coach Gautam Gambhir reflected on his two-year tenure, acknowledging the successes and failures across Test, ODI and T20 cricket.
Gambhir described his stint as a period of ups and downs, saying he accepts both achievements and setbacks as part of the responsibility of leading the Indian team.
The India-West Indies 2026 white-ball series will begin on September 27, featuring three ODIs and five T20Is across venues in India. Shubman Gill will captain India in the ODI series, while Shreyas Iyer will lead the T20I side. Shai Hope will captain the West Indies.
"The two years didn't pass in the blink of an eye. I think I've had my own share of ups and downs. I've had my own failures and successes. But again, I've always believed that when you take up that kind of responsibility, there will always be ups and downs. So, whether it was Test cricket, whether it is one-day cricket or T20 cricket, yes, I've had success, which obviously I will always cherish, but I've had my share of failures as well. Which, again, I accept with both hands," Gambhir said on JioStar.
Gambhir on his evolving relationship with Rohit Sharma
Gambhir also spoke about how his working relationship with former India captain Rohit Sharma has evolved over the years, highlighting that their association goes beyond their roles as coach and captain.
Recalling their time as teammates, Gambhir said their familiarity and mutual understanding have made it easier to work together. He added that despite differences in opinions, their decisions are ultimately guided by what is best for Indian cricket.
"Rohit and my relationship wasn't just of captain and coach. When Rohit came into the team, I was a senior player at that time, so Rohit and my relationship is from back then. Rohit has known me since then. So, often when you have played together, things become very easy. And in fact, he knows my thinking; I know his thinking. Because tomorrow I might have some other thinking, the captain might have some other thinking, but ultimately, whatever is in the best interest of the team, if that's the final decision, then nothing can be better than that. And that's why I said that with all four captains I have worked with, this has been my experience with them, that everyone's focus has been Indian cricket," he added.
Gambhir praises team-first approach of four captains
The India head coach praised the team-first approach of the four captains he has worked with — Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer.
Gambhir said their playing styles, perspectives and approaches to the game may differ, but their commitment to putting the team ahead of individual interests has made his role easier.
He also recalled working with Iyer during their time at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and said he had recognised the batter's leadership qualities when he handed over the Delhi captaincy to him in 2018.
“I have worked with four captains, Rohit, Surya, now with Shubman and Shreyas. All the captains I’ve worked with, everyone’s first intention has always been team first. And I am very fortunate that I have worked with four such people who have always put the team ahead of themselves. Ideology can change, your thinking can change, your perspective on reading the game can change, but as long as your intention is right, it makes life a lot easier for any support staff. It started with Rohit, and when Surya became captain for T20, it was a different experience with both of them. With Shreyas, I had worked with him in KKR. Before that, when I handed over my captaincy to Shreyas in 2018 for Delhi, I felt that he had that leadership quality. Now, I have got the opportunity to work with him again. With Shubman, he is young. If you get captaincy on a tour of England, that too in five Test matches, and if you push someone into the deep sea, either you will swim out really well or you will drown. But the way Shubman has handled Test cricket, it has been brilliant, and I think we will see the best of Shubman in the coming years," he concluded.
Gambhir backs Shubman Gill for future success
Gambhir also lauded Gill's handling of the Test captaincy, particularly during the challenging five-match series in England.
The head coach praised the young skipper's leadership under pressure, expressing confidence that Gill would continue to improve and achieve greater success in the coming years.
Gambhir said Gill's performance in England demonstrated his ability to handle the responsibilities of leading India in Test cricket, adding that he expects to see the best of the young captain in the years ahead.
