Gautam Gambhir is the new Team India head coach after a stellar season with the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Many reactions have trailed his replacement of former head gaffer Rahul Dravid. One of such reactions came from former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi who tagged Gambhir as a ‘straightforward’ individual:
“I think it’s a big opportunity [India head coach role], and we need to see how he [Gambhir] makes the most of it. I have seen his interviews, and he talks positively and is very straightforward,” Afridi said.
Shahid seized an earlier opportunity to call for stability in Pakistan’s cricket circle. The former Men in Green star and other former players are not pleased with Pakistan’s current trajectory in the game. His comments may suggest admiration of the long working relationship between former head coach Rahul Dravid and skipper Rohit Sharma.
When Will Gautam Gambhir Take Over as India’s Head Coach?
It is confirmed that T20 WC 2024 winning coach Rahul Dravid will not continue as Team India’s head coach. Gambhir is set to be his replacement as confirmed by official BCCI sources.
The former KKR mentor will replace Dravid after India concluded their scheduled series against Sri Lanka. India will face the Lankans in three ODIs and T20Is apiece. Gambhir will become head coach from July 26, 2024.
Does Gautam Gambhir Have National Team Coaching Experience?
Gambhir has no experience coaching a senior side in franchise or international cricket. However, the former KKR skipper enjoys the backing of India’s cricket governing body ahead of his new role. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) worked immediately after KKR secured their third IPL title for Gambhir’s contract release.
Several analysts believe the tactical soundness and successful mentorship stints are enough to earn Gambhir this role. Gambhir was in a mentorship role at the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) before transitioning to the KKR in IPL 2024.
What is the Duration of Gautam Gambhir’s Contract?
Reports suggest that Gambhir has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with the BCCI. He takes up the role at a significant period in India’s cricket history. India is currently flying high on the back of a T20 WC win and four major finals in two years across regional and ICC competitions.
Fans hope Gautam’s appointment will continue to strengthen India’s potential on the regional and international cricket scene.
Dale Steyn Weighs in on Gambhir’s Appointment
South Africa’s legendary pace bowler Dale Steyn seems to fancy Gambhir’s appointment as Team India head coach. The former Proteas bowler confesses his admiration of Gambhir’s cricket style and hopes the new gaffer succeeds:
“I’m a big fan of Gautam Gambhir. I love his aggression. He’s one of the few Indians I ever played against who came back at you, and I like that. I think he’s going to take that into the dressing room with guys like Virat and some of the other senior players who might not play as big a part anymore. I’m not too sure,” Steyn said.
“Not just in India, but in world cricket, we need guys who are a little bit more aggressive and play the game a little bit harder. We all seem to play in the leagues against each other, and we become quite friendly and friends. I like the way that he’s fierce on the field but a gentleman off the field. He’s also streetwise, a very smart cricketer, and has a great cricket brain. So I think from that point of view, he’s going to be fantastic for them too,” the former cricketer concluded.
Former Gambhir Teammate Reacts to KKR Job
Gambhir’s former KKR teammate Jacques Kallis had a lot of good things to say about the new India head coach. Kallis played with Gambhir when the Team India head coach was KKR skipper. He believes Gambhir will produce the goods for the national team as they seek dominance on a regional and international scale:
“It’s great to see Gauti getting to the coaching side of things. He has got a really good cricket brain on him. He will bring some fire, he loves playing the game aggressively. I think he will bring attention. The guys will certainly learn a lot from him,” Kallis said.
The former cricketer also believes Gambhir’s aggressive attitude will spur youngsters and add value to Team India:
“He [Gambhir] is going to add a lot of value to that Indian side,” Kallis concluded.
