Recap: All key points from Gautam Gambhir-Ajit Agarkar Press Conference

Newly appointed India head coach Gautam Gambhir attended his first-ever press conference since taking over the position. Alongside him was the head of the All India Men's Senior Selection Committee Ajit Agarkar, as the answered the media on Monday, July 22, just before they leave for Sri Lanka for a white-ball series. Gambhir was seen fearless and straightforward to all the questions thrown at him, and also spoke on his relationship with players like Virat Kohli, and also with Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah.

Among many other revelations made by the Gambhir-Agarkar duo, here is a brief recap at what exactly happened at the presser in Mumbai:

1. Shami has started to bowl, its a good sign: Agarkar

“We more or less know who the guys are, there are some injuries at the moment and hope they will be back up. Shami has started to bowl, which is a good sign. September 19 is the first Test (against Bangladesh) and that was always the goal. I don't know if that is his timeline for recovery, will have to ask the guys at the NCA about that,” Agarkar said. (Read More)

2. BCCI agreed to most of my requests: Gambhir

"Really happy (with) the BCCI. They have agreed to most of the things I have asked for. I keep reading this stuff. The crux of the support staff will remain as they are. The rest of the staff will be finalized after the Sri Lanka tour,” Gambhir added. (Read More)

3. Hardik Pandya has struggled with fitness: Agarkar

“Fitness has been something that he's struggled with. As selectors, it becomes difficult then. The thought behind it was that we want someone (as captain) who is likely to be available more. We also feel we can manage Hardik better, we've seen what he can do with the bat and ball in the World Cup. We speak to every player, about whether their role has changed. And yeah we've spoken to him,” said the chief selector. (Read More)

4. I've had a fabulous relationship with Jay Shah: Head Coach Gambhir

“I have had a fabulous relationship with Jay Shah. All these speculations about different things, we can do a better job clarifying those things. Gautam Gambhir is not important, the betterment of Indian cricket is. I have really enjoyed working with him, I hope it continues that way,” said the new head coach. (Read More)

5. Jadeja rested, not dropped: Agarkar

“I think it would have been really pointless to include both Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel for this short series (versus Sri Lanka). We know what Jadeja does. He has had a terrific World Cup and the 50 World Cup, so he's not at all dropped. I think all options are open, but it was either of them would have played all three games if we take a vote. So that was the thing. There's a big Test season coming up, where he is likely to feature in a lot of the Tests,” Agarkar elaborated. (Read More)

6. If Rohit, Kohli can keep their fitness, they will play the 2027 ODI World Cup as well: Gambhir

“I think they have shown what they can deliver on the big stage, whether it's the T20 World Cup or the 50-over World Cup as well. One thing I can be very clear of is that both those guys have a lot of cricket left in them. More importantly, with the Champions Trophy and a big tour of Australia, obviously they would be motivated enough. And then, hopefully, if they can keep their fitness, the 2027 [ODI] World Cup as well.

“But, this is a very personal decision. I can't say how much cricket is left in them. Ultimately, it's up to them as well, it's up to the players. How much can they contribute to the team's success. Because, ultimately, it's the team that is important. But, looking at what Virat and Rohit can deliver, I think they still have a lot of cricket [left to play]. They're still world-class players and obviously any team would want to have both of them for as long as possible,” (Read More)

7. My relationship with Kohli is not public: Gambhir

“What kind of relationship with Virat Kohli is not for TRP. My relationship (with Kohli) is not public. It's a relationship between two mature individuals. On the field, I am sure we have got to be on the same page. I share a very good relationship with him. I have had a lot of chats with him, but sometimes. We shared messages. It's not important what we discussed after my announcement or before my announcement,” Gambhir added on Kohli.

“Just because you want headlines. He is a thorough professional. He is a world-class player. Hopefully, we can work together really well. Our job is to make the country proud together. We are representing more than a billion people. We have got to be on the same page,” he further said. (Read More)