'Feel emotional leaving players out' - Gautam Gambhir says he's not ruthless as a coach during India team selection

Devansh Poddar

'Feel emotional leaving players out' - Gautam Gambhir says he's not ruthless as a coach during India team selection image

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India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has opened up about Team India's squad selection, stating that the process is not easy and that it is emotionally challenging to leave players out of the team.

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India completed a clean sweep over the West Indies in the two-match Test series, winning the second game by 7 wickets. After India's victory, Gambhir addressed the press ahead of India's tour of Australia starting on October 19.

What did Gautam Gambhir say about dropping players from India team?

Speaking at a press conference, Gautam Gambhir, who himself has been a match-winner for India, noted that while the focus is on giving everyone a fair run, only a squad of 15 can be selected, which results in leaving out certain players. 

"You look at work ethics, character, and their hunger apart from runs and wickets, and what they bring to the table. International cricket is a very insecure environment. Important to pick the right people and give them a long run instead of chopping and changing," he said, as reported by RevSportz.

However, under Gambhir, Team India has seen some big changes. India recently announced Shubman Gill as the ODI captain, taking over from the World Cup-winning skipper Rohit Sharma. 

Moreover, after taking over as the head coach of India, Gambhir has been heavily criticized by Indian cricket fans for some of his selection calls. 

More: How fitness criticism ‘fired up’ Rohit Sharma - Sanjay Bangar lifts lid ahead of India’s Australia ODIs

"I feel emotional when I leave out players. I don’t like to be ruthless. I don’t like the word 'dropped', players are selected, but some have to be left out."

Players like Shreyas Iyer have been ignored from T20I and Test teams

IPL-winning skipper Shreyas Iyer recently missed out on the Asia Cup 2025, despite his consistent run in the IPL and domestic cricket. Sanju Samson, who scored a century in his last ODI for India, way back in December 2023, hasn't played in an ODI game for the side since.

A fresh debate recently arose after Ravindra Jadeja, who has arguably been India's most consistent player in the past few years, was dropped from the Australia ODIs. 

While Gambhir's methods and selections have been questioned, he also managed to take India to the ICC title earlier this year with the Champions Trophy victory. Under his tenure, the Indian team also drew a Test series against England away from home with a relatively inexperienced side. 

His next challenge is the Australia series. Team India will travel to Australia this week for a white-ball series involving 3 ODIs and 5 T20Is. 

When is the India vs Australia ODI series? Full Schedule and Date

The India vs. Australia ODI series will commence on Sunday, October 19th. The two sides will play three games in total, which will serve as good preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

MatchDateTimeVenue
India vs Australia 1st ODIOctober 199:00 AM ISTPerth
India vs Australia 2nd ODIOctober 239:00 AM ISTAdelaide
India vs Australia 3rd ODIOctober 259:00 AM ISTSydney

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Devansh Poddar

Devansh Poddar is a content producer for The Sporting News' India edition.