NEW DELHI: Former cricket greats in India and around the world have overwhelmingly praised the selection of former India opener Gautam Gambhir as the national men’s cricket team’s new head coach. Rahul Dravid’s brilliant stint, which culminated in an ICC T20 World Cup triumph, came to an end on Tuesday when Gambhir was named the new coach of Team India.
Legendary pacer Dale Steyn of South Africa voiced his appreciation for Gambhir, praising both his gentlemanly off-field manner and his aggressive on-field style.
“I am a big fan of Gautam Gambhir. I love his aggression. He is one of the few Indians that I have played against that kinda came back at you. And I liked that. I think that he has taken in the dressing room with the guys like Virat Kohli and some of the other senior players might not play a bigger part anymore, I am not too sure. I don’t want to say they are completely out,” Steyn remarked while speaking to Star Sports.
Former teammate of Steyn and one of the best all-rounders in cricket, Graeme Smith, mirrored these views, praising Gambhir’s cricketing intelligence.
“Great to see guys like him going to the coaching side of things. He’s got a really good cricket brain on him. He’ll bring some fire. He loves playing the game aggressively. I think he will bring that added touch in that. The guys will certainly learn a lot from him and he’s got a lot to add. He’s gonna add a lot of value to that Indian side. Wish him all the best but not too much against us. And I am sure he’s gonna do a fantastic job and the players will certainly learn a lot from him,” Smith said.
Steyn further emphasized the need for aggressive players like Gambhir in world cricket.
“Not just in India but in world cricket. They need guys that are a little bit more aggressive. They play the game a little bit harder. We all seem to play in the league against each other and we became quite friendly and friends. I like the way that he’s fierce on the field but he’s a gentleman off the field. Then also a street wise and very smart cricketer and got a great cricket brain. So, I think from that point of view he’s gonna be fantastic for them too,” Steyn added.
Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi also weighed in, describing Gambhir as a positive and straightforward individual.
“Main samajhta hoon ki nayi opportunity bohot badi hai. Depend karta hai ki who kis tarah avail karta hai yeh. Kabhi kabaar interviews wagera sunne ko milte hai, bahut achchi positive baat karte hai, straightforward hai,” Afridi said.
The selection of Gambhir is viewed as a calculated attempt to add a new dimension to the strategy used by the Indian cricket team. By utilising his aggressive style of play and tactical thinking, the team hopes to expand on the achievements made under Dravid. The cricketing world watches with great interest as Gambhir assumes his new job, anticipating substantial contributions to India’s future victories on the international scene.
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