"Rohit Sharma Was Backed Despite Not Having Stellar Start...": Gautam Gambhir's Blunt Take

With the India-Bangladesh two-match Test series set to commence on Thursday, Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed Head Coach of Team India opened up about the bond with captain Rohit Sharma. For Gambhir, the captain is central to a team's success, and while the coach plays an important role, the ultimate responsibility lies with the leader on the field. Rohit's leadership qualities, Gambhir believes, have earned him immense respect in the dressing room—an essential trait for any successful leader.

“The team ultimately belongs to the captain because he leads on the field,” Gambhir told JioCinema. "Rohit's leadership and respect in the dressing room are crucial. So, he's a great guy and has got a lot of respect in that dressing room and that is the first and foremost quality of a leader. I think my relationship with him when we were playing together was fabulous. Even then he was a great human being and hopefully, I think it continues that way as well.”

While Gambhir acknowledged that there will always be disagreements in strategy or decision-making, he firmly believes that the final call should rest with Rohit. For Gambhir, respect and support for the captain are non-negotiable. “There will be disagreements, but the final decision rests with the captain,” he emphasised.

Gambhir also opened up about his coaching philosophy, his close relationships with senior players, and how his transition from player to mentor and now head coach has shaped his approach. Having shared the field with many of the team's current senior players, Gambhir's familiarity with their personalities and careers has, in his own words, made his role slightly easier.

“Yes, it does help to an extent,” he acknowledged. Gambhir reflected on his past playing