'I think we can do a better job': Gautam Gambhir Discusses His Relationship with Jay Shah

Under head coach Gautam Gambhir, India sets off a new chapter when they square against Sri Lanka in a white ball bilateral series of 3 T20Is and 3 ODIs starting on Saturday. Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar held a press conference in Mumbai on Monday, July 22, 2024, ahead of the series, where they answered many press questions. All eyes are on India to see the team's performance and strategic orientation under Gambhir's leadership, as this series is the first one the new head coach works on.

Also Read: Gautam Gambhir has announced India's assistant coaches for IND vs SL

Gautam Gambhir speaks on his relationship with BCCI secretary Jay Shah

Emphasising the shared objective of developing Indian cricket, Gautam Gambhir underlines that the advancement of the game comes first in terms of personal interests. Dealing with his connection with Jay Shah, he stresses their close affinity and shared dedication to the development of the sport. Gambhir emphasises the greatest importance of improving Indian cricket by stating the need of eradicating rumours and guaranteeing alignment, thereby transcending personal interests. He underlines again the need of unity and common commitment for the development of the sport. Gautam Gambhir said: 

“The betterment of Indian cricket is more important, Gautam Gambhir is not important. All of us have a heart in the right place and all of us think that indian cricket needs to move forward.”

“I've got a fabulous relationship with him (Jay Shah). We go a long way back and all these speculations about different things, we've been on different pages. I think we can do a better job from probably clarifying those things. It's been a great relationship. Hopefully, it continues that way because the betterment of Indian cricket is more important, Gautam Gambhir is not important.”

India vs Sri Lanka squad

India’s T20I Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Ꮪhubman Gill (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohd. Siraj. 

India’s ODI Squad: Rohit Sharma (C), Ꮪhubman Gill (VC), Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Riyan Parag, Axar Patel, Khaleel Ahmed, Harshit Rana.