Former South African pacer Dale Steyn applauded Gautam Gambhir for his aggression after he was appointed as Team India’s head coach on July 9. However, Gambhir helped India win the 2007 and 2011 T20 and ODI World Cups during his playing days with game-changing knocks in the final as well.
Furthermore, he led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to IPL title wins in 2012 and 2014 and then returned as Team Mentor for the 2024 season and helped KKR win a third IPL title as well.
When asked about Gambhir’s appointment as the Indian head coach, Dale Steyn told Star Sports: “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 guys like Virat Kohli and some of the other senior players might not play a big part anymore, I am not too sure. I don’t want to say they are completely out.”
“Not just in India but world cricket. They need guys that are a little more aggressive. They play the game a little harder. We all seem to play in the league against each other and we become quite friendly and friends. I like the way 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,” again said Steyn.
However, Gautam Gambhir will take over the Indian head coaching role from Rahul Dravid, who was at the helm from November 2021 to the recently concluded T20 World Cup as well. During Dravid’s tenure, India reached the World Test Championship (WTC) and ODI World Cup final last year but lost to Australia and triumphed in the 2024 T20 World Cup as well.
In the same segment on Star Sports, Former South African captain Graeme Smith also applauded India’s appointment of Gautam Gambhir as
head coach.
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 the Indian side. I am sure he’s gonna do a fantastic job and the players will certainly learn a lot from him,” said Smith.
