Archive · 10 Nov 2025
Gambhir: Benchling Quality Players is Toughest Coaching Task
Imagine you have a team of really good players, like superheroes who are great at catching or scoring points.
But in a game, you can only pick a few of them to play at a time.
India's coach, Gautam Gambhir, says the hardest part of his job is telling those superheroes, who are really good and deserve to play, that they have to sit out this game.
He knows they're amazing and could help, but he can only choose the best combination for that specific game.
It's tough to break the news to them, but he has to be honest.
After winning a recent game series, the coach and some players have now traveled to get ready for their next big challenge.
India's Head Coach Gautam Gambhir identifies benching quality players as the toughest part of his job.
He finds it difficult to inform consistent wicket-takers like Kuldeep Yadav and Arshdeep Singh when they are not selected for the playing XI.
Gambhir acknowledges that while all players deserve a spot, only 11 can be chosen based on the best combination for a particular match.
The coach emphasizes the importance of honest communication during these difficult conversations.
Following a 2-1 T20I series win against Australia, Gambhir and players have arrived in Kolkata to prepare for the upcoming Test series against South Africa.
- Who
- India Head Coach Gautam Gambhir
- What
- Stated that informing quality players, particularly consistent wicket-takers like Kuldeep Yadav and Arshdeep Singh, that they will not be in the playing XI is the most difficult part of his coaching job.
- When
- Following India's 2-1 T20I series win against Australia and ahead of the South Africa Tests.
- Where
- In an interview posted on the official BCCI website.
- Why
- To explain the challenges of selection decisions and managing player expectations within the constraints of picking only 11 players for a team.
Coach's Perspective
Player's Perspective
Selection Decisions
Coach's Perspective
Coach Gambhir believes selecting only 11 players from a squad of quality individuals is the most challenging aspect of his job, despite knowing everyone deserves to play.
Player's Perspective
Players like Kuldeep Yadav and Arshdeep Singh, who are consistent wicket-takers, face the disappointment of being benched despite their proven abilities.
- Head Coach
- Gautam Gambhir
- Difficult Aspect of Coaching
- Informing consistent wicket-taking players they will not be in the playing XI.
- Players Mentioned
- Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh
- Recent Series Outcome
- 2-1 T20I series win against Australia
- Current Focus
- Preparation for upcoming Tests against South Africa
- Location of Arrival for SA Tests Prep
- Kolkata
Sources
Gautam Gambhir Issues Deadline To India's T20I Stars Before World Cup: 'We Have Three Months...'
We still have three months to get where we want to be: Gambhir on T20 WC
'Throw guys in the deep sea': Gambhir's success mantra
We Still Have 3 Months to Get Where We Want To Be: Gambhir on T20 WC
Gautam Gambhir Details The Hardline, Win-Driven Mentality As India Head Coach: 'Throw Guys Into The Deep Sea'
Gautam Gambhir Outlines Plans For Team India Ahead of T20 World Cup: 'We're Still Not At Our Target For The T20 World Cup'
Is India ready to defend T20 World Cup title? Gambhir has his say
'We Can Never Celebrate A Series Loss': Gautam Gambhir's Ruthless Review Of India's AUS Tour
'Overrated': Gautam Gambhir's Big Declaration About Cricket's Old Tradition
Head coach Gautam Gambhir says India 'still aren't where we want' for upcoming T20 World Cup
Gautam Gambhir Reveals Bold Gameplan Behind Jasprit Bumrah’s Powerplay Blitz In 2025 Asia Cup
Gautam Gambhir hints at possible changes ahead of T20 World Cup, says 'batting orders are very overrated'
Gautam Gambhir Opens Up About the Hardest Aspect Of Being The Head Coach Of Team India
Telling likes of Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh that they won’t be playing ‘the toughest part of being a coach’: Gautam Gambhir
