‘I Was Surprised’: Gautam Gambhir Dismisses Claims About BCCI Ignoring His Support Staff Demands

Gautam Gambhir is all set to begin his first assignment as the head coach of Team India as they tour Sri Lanka for a white-ball series. The T20I side has already made their way to the island nation for the series. After Gambhir was named as the head coach, significant buzz erupted on the assistant coaching staff which will feature under Gambhir. Claims erupted like wildfire that the BCCI did not amend GG's demands. But the new head coach has refuted all the reports.

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Gautam Gambhir Rubbishes Claims of BCCI Rejecting His Support Staff Plea

At Gautam Gambhir's first press conference as the head coach, he revealed he was content with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and they agreed to most of his amends. Gambhir was rather surprised to see the rumbles over the internet and media as he refuted all the claims and reports.

"Really happy with the BCCI. They have agreed to most of the things I've asked for. I was surprised to read all those news [on BCCI rejecting his demands]," Gautam Gambhir mentioned while in Mumbai, India.

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At the media briefing, Gautam Gambhir revealed his support staff will consist of Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate, who are the new additions. T Dilip, who was the fielding coach of the team under Dravid's regime, will make a return.

"Abhishek Nayar as assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate as assistant coach. I feel there could be assistant coaches working and focusing on all three departments rather than one specific department. That's the reason we now have two assistant coaches. That's the way we will go forward as well," Gambhir said.

Former leg-spinning all-rounder Sairaj Bahutule will join the team as the interim bowling coach and the entire coaching staff under Gambhir will be unveiled after the Sri Lanka series. Reports indicate that Morne Morkel will be joining the side as the bowling coach, but he had to fly back to South Africa to look after his unwell father.

Team India will begin their tour with a three-match T20I series, with Suryakumar Yadav leading the side. The first T20I match will take place in Pallekele, Sri Lanka.