Source link : https://www.mondialnews.com/2025/07/29/india-head-coach-gautam-gambhir-stands-firm-in-declining-stokes-offer/
India head coach Gautam Gambhir has publicly defended his controversial decision to decline an offer from England all-rounder Ben Stokes, addressing questions and criticism surrounding the move. Speaking exclusively to The Guardian, Gambhir emphasized the strategic reasons behind his choice and reiterated the Indian team’s commitment to a focused and cohesive approach ahead of their upcoming fixtures. The incident has sparked debate among cricket fans and analysts, highlighting the complexities of player-coach interactions in international cricket.
India Head Coach Gautam Gambhir Explains Rationale Behind Declining Stokes Offer
Gautam Gambhir, the esteemed India head coach, has publicly addressed the recent controversy surrounding the refusal of an offer from England all-rounder Ben Stokes. Gambhir emphasized that the decision was grounded in strategic priorities and team cohesion rather than personal differences. “Our focus remains on building a strong, disciplined side that aligns with our long-term vision,” he asserted. He also highlighted the importance of maintaining team balance, suggesting that Stokes’ inclusion, although valuable, did not fit into the carefully charted plans for upcoming series.
Further clarifying the rationale, Gambhir pointed to several factors that influenced the decline:
- Team dynamics: Preserving an established core group to foster consistency.
- Fitness protocols: Commitment to maintaining peak physical standards and player…
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Author : Miles Cooper
Publish date : 2025-07-29 10:26:00
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