Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian opener, was recently appointed as the new head coach of the national men’s cricket team and this development has been welcomed by many ex-cricketers in India and around the World cricket. On Tuesday, it was announced that Rahul Dravid had stepped down as Team India’s coach and was being replaced by Gambhir who won them an ICC T20 World Cup.
Talking about Gambhir, the South African Dale Steyn said that he admired him for his on-field aggression as well as off-field gentility.
“I like Gautam Gambhir a lot. I like him because he is aggressive. He is one of a few Indians that you go out there against and they will say something to you. And I liked that. It seems to me like he takes over from Virat Kohli in the dressing room or some of those other senior players might not have much more involvement now but I don’t know. I would hate to say they’re totally out,” Steyn told Star Sports.
Similarly Graeme Smith, who has played with Dale Steyn among others and is one of cricket’s best all-rounders spoke highly of his cricket intellect.
“It’s fantastic to see people like him moving onto coaching roles. He has got a really good concept about cricket. He’ll bring fire for sure. The way he plays his game is very aggressive. In fact, I think he will add these kinds of things too. Guys are gonna learn a lot from him; he has so much experience too! Adding a lot of value again into this Indian side that wishes him well but not too well against us… And I am sure he’s gonna do great work and the guys are gonna get better for it,” Smith commented.
Steyn reiterated his point on how critical players such as Gambhir are needed in global cricketing sphere.
“Not just in India but in world cricket also we 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. And you know, just a street smart cricketer and has got a great cricketing brain. So, from that perspective as well, I think he will be awesome for them,” Steyn added.
Shahid Afridi, the former Pakistani all-rounder also described Gambhir as someone who is positive and does not mince words.
“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.
It was seen that Gambhir was being chosen tactically to bring into Indian cricket approach which would leverage his attacking style of play coupled with his tactical mind in order to carry on the good work achieved under Dravid; hence his appointment has been made as Gambhir steps into this new role with interest from all over world especially looking forward to India making greater strides in international stage. .
