India head coach Gautam Gambhir has said that first-class cricket is the most important format in building a strong national team.
Speaking during the third Test against England at Lord’s, Gambhir opened up about his approach as head coach. He said his vision for the team involves much more than short-term results. Instead, he wants to focus on building a sustainable structure that values discipline and consistency.
He spoke about the current transition in the Indian team, especially in Test cricket as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have retired. With new faces coming into the side across all departments, he emphasised that this is an important phase for Indian cricket.
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Gautam Gambhir Highlights Vision for Indian Cricket
During a conversation with Cheteshwar Pujara on Sony Sports Network, Gautam Gambhir stressed the importance of red-ball domestic cricket. He made it clear that his foundation for building the national team lies in India’s first-class structure, where players learn to perform under pressure and in different conditions.
"Probably this is the first time that the transition is happening in all three departments. For me, first-class cricket back home is the most important format," Gambhir said as quoted on Sony Sports Network.
He went on to talk about the daily effort and mindset required to play for India. For Gambhir, wearing the Indian jersey is not just about talent. It is about showing up with intent and hunger every day. He also made it clear that the team is bigger than any individual, including himself.
"It is about growing, learning, and competing every day.It is about fighting every day. And it is about representing the tri-colour every day. Gautam Gambhir is not important. Indian cricket is important," he added.
He added that he is open to feedback and wants to create an environment where different voices are heard, especially when it comes to the culture within the team.
"Everyone has the right to have an opinion about the culture of that dressing room. And every opinion for me will matter," Gambhir stated.
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"It’s Not a Holiday" - Gautam Gambhir on Having Families During Tours
Gambhir shared his thoughts on players having their families during tours. He said he understands the importance of family but reminded players that playing for India is a serious responsibility, not a vacation.
"Families are important, but you've got to understand one thing. You are here for a purpose. It's not a holiday. You're here for a huge purpose. You've got very few people in that dressing room or in this tour that gets this opportunity to make the country proud. So yes, I'm not against not having families with us."
"It is important to have families, but if your focus is towards making our country proud and you have a much bigger role than any other thing, and you're committed to that goal, you're committed to that cause, I think everything else is fine," Gambhir asserted.
Notably, after India lost 1-3 in Australia in Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, the BCCI made a rule to limit family stays. For tours longer than 45 days, families can stay for 14 days. For shorter tours, the limit is seven days.
