The forthcoming series against Sri Lanka will mark the start of Gautam Gambhir’s term as the Indian team’s head coach. The former cricket player has earned his first coaching position in the Indian Premier League by leading Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants with distinction. Former Australian cricketer Brett Lee praised Gambir and spoke highly of his winning mindset and aggression prior to his term.
The former bowler emphasised that Gautam Gambhir has excelled in every situation that has come his way.
The southpaw contributed crucial hits to KKR’s victories in the 2012 and 2014 trophies, as well as in the 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2007 T20 World Cup final. In his role as a trainer, Gambhir assisted LSG in making the playoffs in 2022 and 2023. He then joined KKR and helped them win the championship in 2024.
Gambhir can create a strong framework and is aware of the formula for success, Lee continued. He said that Gambhir is a safe choice for India, and he also praised Rahul Dravid on a job well done. Under Dravid’s leadership, India advanced to the World Test Championship and ODI World Cup finals before winning the 2024 T20 World Cup.
“Every time Gautam Gambhir has had the chance, he has performed incredibly well. The best example is the Indian Premier League championship won by KKR. He’s consistently been present and performing at the highest level. He manages to bring his guys together and build a cohesive unit. He constructs a sturdy framework. He has been an excellent player, and India will benefit from his aggressiveness and winning mentality. As a player, he has excelled over the globe. India’s coach, Gautam Gambhir, has them in good hands. Lee told Times of India, “Congratulations to Rahul for finishing on a high.”
The BCCI has not yet appointed Team India’s batting and bowling coaches.
BCCI has not yet finalised Gambhir’s support personnel in the meantime. Although the BCCI has not officially confirmed, there have been rumours that Abhishek Nayar might be named the batting coach. Zaheer Khan, Lakshmipathy Balaji, and Morne Morkel, on the other hand, were mentioned as potential candidates for the position of bowling coach.