Gautam Gambhir marked a significant milestone in his coaching career by securing his maiden ICC trophy as India’s head coach, guiding the team to a historic victory over New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final. Tasked with filling the enormous void left by Rahul Dravid after India’s triumphant T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, Gambhir faced immense scrutiny, particularly following India’s inconsistent performances in the New Zealand series and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Critics questioned his tactical acumen, and doubts loomed over whether he could maintain India’s dominance on the world stage. However, Gambhir emphatically silenced his detractors, steering India to their second Champions Trophy title, which firmly cements his place in Indian cricket’s coaching legacy.
Amidst the jubilant celebrations at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, an unexpected yet heartwarming exchange unfolded between Gambhir and former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu. Known for his flamboyant persona and poetic expressions, Sidhu found himself at the receiving end of Gambhir’s poetic attempt—an unusual yet delightful moment for those witnessing the interaction.
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“Fann kuchalne ka hunar seekhiye janab…,” Gambhir began, prompting Sidhu to seamlessly complete the verse: “Saapon ke darr se jungle nahi chhore jaate.” The poetic exchange, filled with depth and meaning, left a lasting impression on Sidhu. Overwhelmed by the moment, Sidhu took to social media to express his admiration, writing, “The Shayari that he asked me to narrate has a lot to say … he @GautamGambhir is here to stay … wish him and the Indian cricket team the very best …. You made India proud, brother.”
The Shayari that he asked me to narrate has a lot to say … he @GautamGambhir is here to stay … wish him and the Indian cricket team the very best …. You made India 🇮🇳 proud brother 🏆🏏 pic.twitter.com/TRnJKWh6Ii
— Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) March 9, 2025
The camaraderie didn’t end there. Ever the entertainer, Sidhu playfully challenged Gambhir to showcase his Bhangra moves in celebration. However, despite Sidhu’s repeated insistence, the India head coach remained hesitant. While Gambhir did humour, Sidhu, by striking a Bhangra pose, he stopped short of breaking into a full-fledged dance—a moment that sparked laughter and lighthearted banter among the players and support staff.
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Following the match, India’s captain Rohit Sharma acknowledged Gambhir’s crucial role in backing his aggressive approach. Speaking candidly about his evolving batting mindset, Rohit stated, “Playing an attacking game isn’t something that comes naturally to me, but it’s something I really wanted to develop. When you try something new, having the backing of the team and management is crucial. In the ODI World Cup, Rahul bhai backed me, and now Gauti bhai has done the same. That support makes all the difference.”
Gambhir’s leadership in the Champions Trophy 2025 final not only reaffirmed his credentials as a tactically astute coach but also showcased his ability to foster a winning mindset within the team. As India revels in yet another ICC triumph, Gambhir’s journey—from a no-nonsense, gritty player to a triumphant head coach—continues to be one of the most compelling narratives in modern Indian cricket.
