KKR mentor Gautam Gambhir expressed his concerns that the IPL should not serve as a ‘shortcut’ for players to secure a place in the Indian cricket team.
With the upcoming change in the Indian team’s head coach after the T20 World Cup, if Rahul Dravid does not reapply, a new coach will be appointed. Among the contenders, former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir’s name has emerged strongly in recent days.
Reports suggest that the BCCI has approached Gambhir, currently mentoring the Kolkata Knight Riders. Amidst these developments, Gambhir made significant remarks about the IPL and its role in selecting players for the Indian team. He acknowledged the improved quality of cricket in the IPL but emphasized that the franchise-based T20 league should not be a direct pathway for young players to break into the national team.
In a YouTube chat with veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, Gambhir said, “My biggest concern is how many youngsters aspire to play Test cricket for India. I hope IPL will not become a shortcut to playing for India.”
As the mentor of Kolkata Knight Riders, Gambhir recognized the benefits Indian cricketers have gained from the IPL. “In today’s era, when I look at international T20 teams and their competition against India, apart from two or three teams, I don’t see much competition,” Gambhir stated.
He highlighted that many teams struggle to match India’s strength. “The IPL has become much more competitive than international T20 cricket. The level of our domestic players has increased. Their focus on playing IPL and preparing for T20 cricket has intensified,” he added.
Under Gambhir’s leadership, Kolkata Knight Riders won the IPL titles in 2012 and 2014. With Gambhir’s guidance, the KKR team has reached the final for the fourth time and is considered a strong contender for this year’s IPL title.
Gambhir’s Perspective on the Impact Player Rule
Gautam Gambhir also commented on the impact player rule, expressing his desire to abolish it if given the chance. He emphasized the importance of encouraging all types of bowlers, including off-spinners and finger spinners. “Tell me how many youngsters now want to learn the art of spin bowling? Nobody, because they feel there is no future for them in cricket,” Gambhir said, advocating for the use of only one ball for the full 50 overs of an ODI to maintain the balance in the game.
Selection Concerns
Reflecting on his own experiences, Gambhir said, “When I was 12-13 years old, I tried out for the Under 14 cricket tournament but was not selected. The main reason was that I did not ingratiate myself with the selection committee. Since then, I vowed never to fall at anyone’s feet and never to let anyone fall at mine.”
Gambhir’s statements underscore his commitment to merit-based selection and maintaining the integrity of cricket, ensuring that pathways like the IPL do not overshadow the traditional routes to representing India on the international stage.
