Another wonderful example of Gautam Gambhir’s altruism came when he stated that the Indian team—not the head coach—is what matters.
Gautam Gambhir, who is taking over a highly successful squad that has recently won the T20 World Cup 2024, is aware of the obstacles that lie ahead. India not only won the World T20 Championship, but they also finished second in the World Test Championship and the ODI World Cup. The newly appointed head coach of India, Gambhir, made no bones about acknowledging that he is taking over a very successful team and that he has some large shoes to fill in his new post with the national team.
Prior to the Indian team’s departure for Sri Lanka, Gambhir clarified his position as a coach by telling the media that “the betterment of Indian cricket is important, Gautam Gambhir is not important.”
“A happy dressing room is a winning dressing room, as I have always stated. That’s what I have to do. I try not to overcomplicate things. I’m joining a team that has achieved incredible success. T20 World Champions, runners-up in the 50-over World Cup and the World Test Championship. Although there are gaps to be filled, this is a winning team, according to Gambhir.
Jay Shah and I have a wonderful friendship. All these conjectures concerning various topics. We can make those points more clearly. Indian cricket needs to improve; Gautam Gambhir is not that significant. Working with him has been quite enjoyable, and I hope it stays that way,” he continued.
In addition, Gambhir acknowledged that he has high expectations as he takes over a position that has been held by players like Rahul Dravid and Ravi Shastri.
“The fact that they will always support me is the most crucial thing. Make it a joyful and safe space for dressing. I’m taking over a really productive team. runners-up in the 50-overs WC and WTC. “I’m excited to take on these big shoes,” Gambhir remarked during the press conference.
Ryan Ten Doeschate, who also joins the support staff, and another KKR player Abhishek Nayar, who will serve as the team’s assistant coach, will provide Gambhir with assistance.
“Over the past two months, I have collaborated closely with Ryan and Abhishek at KKR in the IPL. Both are complete professionals, and we can only hope that their time as coaches for the Indian team is fruitful.”
When the ODI series begins, Gambhir will have to contend with a roster that is at least as talented as it is, thanks to the addition of ace batsman Virat Kohli and Team India captain Rohit Sharma. According to Gambhir, he gets along well with Virat Kohli.
“I shared a great relationship with Virat Kohli, we exchange messages – he is World class, world-class batter, I have told you many times, that we both will work hard for team India & make 140 crore people proud,” he stated.
“Both Virat & Rohit have lots of cricket left, they are World class, any team would have both of them – there is the Champions Trophy, Australia series, then if fitness goes well then the 2027 World Cup,” he stated.
In the Indian Premier League 2024, Gambhir, a left-handed opener for the Indian side, was the team mentor for the Kolkata Knight Riders. Gambhir led KKR to win their third IPL trophy this season.
After India defeated South Africa by seven runs in the T20 World Cup 2024 final to capture the coveted trophy after 17 years, Rahul Dravid’s time as Team India’s head coach came to an end.
