India coach Gautam Gambhir during a net session at Eden Gardens on February 28, 2026 in Kolkata, India. (Photo/Getty Images)
Every effort in a team match deserves recognition, Indian national team coach Gautam Gambhir said, stressing that contributions that are often overlooked are as important as key performances.After India’s win over West Indies on Sunday, which secured them a semi-final birth, Gambhir pointed out that Shivam Dubey’s two boundaries in the penultimate over were crucial to the outcome, just like Sanju Samson’s unbeaten 97.“Glad you’re talking about every contribution because for many years, we’ve only talked about certain contributions. This is a team sport, and it will always be a team sport,” Gambhir said.“For me, Shivam’s 97 is no less important than Sanju’s 97 because if he doesn’t reach those two boundaries, you won’t even talk about them (hit of 97 runs).”“A big contribution makes headlines. A small contribution, a contribution that can help the team win, and cross that line, is very important,” the India coach said.
Gambhir said this approach would define his tenure as coach.“That’s why I say this will be the philosophy that will continue until I get there.”
My coaching motto is based on instinct, not data
While data analysis plays a major role in modern T20 cricket, Gambhir said he relies more on instinct than numbers.“Honestly, I don’t believe in the data. I’ve never seen the data. I don’t even know what the data is. I don’t believe in it at all, because I feel like it’s just instinct,” Gambhir said, though the team works closely with data analyst Hari Prasad.
“T20 cricket is about instinct and supporting your instinct as well. Whatever knowledge I have about the game and the T20 format, I try and maybe give it to the captain, and try to help him as much as I can.Looking forward to the semi-final against England at Wankhede Stadium, Gambhir described the opposition as strong and the venue a challenge.“They (England) are a world-class team, they are a quality team, they have a lot of good players as well, and we all know Wankhede is a tough stadium.“Hopefully we can come and see that we have another opportunity to do something special for the team and for the country, and hopefully play our best game as well. That will be very important,” Gambhir said.