Published: Mar 08, 2017, 01:24 PM (IST)
Edited: Mar 08, 2017, 01:24 PM (IST)
Gautam Gambhir has dismissed the reports of being engaged in an unpleasant dressing room argument with Delhi coach KP Bhaskar. The opener, has however, admitted to questioning Bhaskar, a former Delhi player, in charge of the domestic side for the first time. The performance of the Delhi side had also been of worry in the Ranji Trophy, as the seven-time winners failed to make it to the last-eight of either the First-Class or the 50-over competition.
Speaking to PTI, Gambhir said that he bought up a talk with the head coach over creating an ‘insecure’ environment for the young players of the side. Referring to the way the coach had dealt with the Delhi youngsters after their defeat against Himachal Pradesh in a T20 game, Gambhir said, “If protecting a youngster is a crime, I am guilty. If making 20-22 year olds feel secure in an insecure environment is a crime, then I am guilty. But I could not have let this man (Bhaskar) play with careers of young players like Unmukt Chand and Nitish Rana,” Gambhir said on Tuesday.
“Dressing room is a private environment. It’s like a bedroom. There may be many discussions but that’s not supposed to be discussed with media. I never spoke what all he (Bhaskar) said after we lost a T20 match in Himachal as to what laurels he had brought to Delhi cricket and where these youngsters are taking it to? Is it how you deal with youngsters?” Gambhir said.
Gambhir, who is known for his outspoken persona, also went to reveal the personal experiences of playing for the side, stating that Delhi cricket has a culture of making players insecure. “When I got into the Ranji Trophy team, I was made to feel insecure. Then only I had decided, if I ever take charge I will never make young boys feel insecure. I backed certain boys for 2-3 years as these were the best boys to back. It is irrelevant from which club they come and we need to get this culture out of the way,” Gambhir said.
Gambhir had recently been axed as the captain of the Delhi side and had particularly taken objection to the way Bhaskar has dealt with Chand and Rana. “He (Chand) was an India A captain recently, captained Delhi when I wasn’t a part of the team. Suddenly you don’t even pick him for Delhi’s one day side. Look where you have got his career to. Look at Nitish Rana, he played Duleep Trophy, he has played IPL for Mumbai Indians and suddenly three bad one-day games, you send him back.”
The player argued that the cricket structure of the capital is not good enough, with players ever in the fear of being dropped off in case they fail a match. “I told Bhaskar throughout the season, just don’t make players this insecure,” Gambhir concluded.
