Gautam Gambhir's England tour plans for India A team commended
What's the story
Former cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu has lauded head coach Gautam Gambhir for his forward-thinking approach.
Sidhu's praise comes after reports emerged about Gambhir's plans to prepare early for the upcoming England tour.
The Indian cricket team will be leaving for a five-Test series in England from June 20 and Sidhu thinks this could be one of Gambhir's toughest challenges yet.
Here's more.
Strategy
Gambhir's unique approach to England tour
Gambhir's one-of-a-kind strategy is to travel with the India A team, something that has never been done.
Normally, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sends coaches from the National Cricket Academy (NCA) to supervise such tours.
However, Gambhir is said to be seeking permission from BCCI to travel with the A tour himself.
This would give him first-hand experience of conditions and an assessment of India's reserve players' strength.
Support
Sidhu supports Gambhir's decision to travel with the A team
Sidhu has backed Gambhir's decision on his X account, saying, "wanting to go there with the India A is preventing and preparing rather than repenting and repairing - forethought wins, in life and Chess."
"Juicy damp pitches offer lateral movement of the pitch and swing due to resistance in the air," Sidhu added.
This unorthodox method by Gambhir is a stark departure from the norm in Indian cricket.
Roadmap
Gambhir's 2-year roadmap for India's future
Gambhir is said to be working on a two-year roadmap ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The plan also involves preparations for the World Test Championship and the T20 World Cup in 2026.
Meanwhile, a BCCI source, according to India Today, added that "Gambhir has been in discussions with the BCCI since he returned from Australia."
He plans to travel with India A team "to get a clearer view of the reserve pool."
Tour
Gautam Gambhir to accompany India 'A' on England tour: Report
As mentioned, Gambhir will likely accompany the India 'A' side on their England tour this year.
The tour will precede the senior team's five-Test series starting on June 20.
However, it's unclear if Gambhir will travel just as an "observer" or if VVS Laxman, the National Cricket Academy (NCA) head, will take up the role.
Meanwhile, Gambhir, along with chief selector Ajit Agarkar and Laxman, are looking for ways to revive India's player pool for Test cricket.