'Sometimes, even when I don't want to...',Gambhir breaks silence for first time on team selection
Sometimes, even when I don't want to: ย Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir has addressed the selection of players and the playing eleven. Gautam Gambhir stated that there is complete transparency in the team dressing room. Gambhir often faces criticism for making difficult decisions regarding team composition and leaving out match-winners. In a recent interview with the BCCI, he described this as the most difficult part of his coaching career.
ย He admitted that excluding players is his most difficult task as a coach, but he prioritized clear and honest communication.
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Gambhir breaks silence for first time on team selection
Gambhir also said that it is crucial to maintain open communication with players in such situations, as it is natural for them to feel disappointed when they know they deserve to be included in the playing eleven. He also emphasized that honesty and clarity are crucial in such matters
.Inculcating a winning mentality ๐
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 10, 2025
Immense trust in his team ๐
Clarity in thought ๐
Above all, focusing on the bigger picture ๐ซก
๐ฅ ๐ฝ Presenting a deep dive into #TeamIndia Head Coach @GautamGambhir's mindset and approach in ๐๐๐ฃ๐'๐จ ๐๐๐ข๐๐๐ฉ ๐โฆ
What Coach Gambhir Said
Gambhir said, "This is probably the hardest part for me as a coach. It's my toughest job. Sometimes, even when I know there's a lot of quality on the bench and every player deserves to be in the playing XI, you still have to choose only 11 players based on the best combination for that day. But the most important thing for me is communication and dialogue."
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He further said, "Communication must be absolutely clear and honest. Sometimes it's a very difficult conversation when you tell a player that he won't play."
Summary
Meanwhile, India defeated Australia 2-1 in the five-match T20 series, maintaining the team's unbeaten streak in T20Is under Gambhir's coaching. India will now face South Africa in a two-match Test series starting in Kolkata on November 14
.