Dale Steyn Warns World Cricket About New India Coach Gautam Gambhir, Says: "Guys Like Virat Kohli..."

Dale Steyn Warns World Cricket About New India Coach Gautam Gambhir, Says: "Guys Like Virat Kohli..."

The cricketing world is abuzz with the news of Gautam Gambhir's appointment as the new head coach of the Indian cricket team. This decision, following the departure of Rahul Dravid, has garnered significant attention and sparked various reactions from cricket legends worldwide.

Dale Steyn's Endorsement

Former South African pacer Dale Steyn, known for his aggressive and fierce bowling, has come forward with strong support for Gambhir. Steyn, who has faced Gambhir on numerous occasions, praised the former Indian opener's aggressive nature and sharp cricketing mind.

"I'm a big fan of Gautam Gambhir. I love his aggression. He's one of the few Indians I ever played against who came back at you, and I like that," Steyn told Star Sports. "I think he's going to take that into the dressing room with guys like Virat and some of the other senior players who might not play as big a part anymore. I'm not too sure."

Steyn emphasized the need for more aggressive players in world cricket, noting that Gambhir's fierce demeanor on the field combined with his gentlemanly conduct off the field makes him a perfect fit for the role. "We all seem to play in the leagues against each other, and we become quite friendly and friends. I like the way that he's fierce on the field but a gentleman off the field. He's also streetwise, a very smart cricketer, and has a great cricket brain," Steyn added.

Support from Jacques Kallis and Shahid Afridi

Former South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis also expressed confidence in Gambhir's coaching abilities. "It's great to see Gautam getting into the coaching side of things. He's got a really good cricket brain. He'll bring some fire and loves playing the game aggressively," Kallis said. He believes Gambhir's approach will add significant value to the Indian side, with players benefiting greatly from his insights and experience.

Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi also chimed in, noting Gambhir's straightforward and positive attitude. "I think it's a big opportunity, and we need to see how he makes the most of it. I have seen his interviews, and he talks positively and is very straightforward," Afridi stated.

Gambhir's First Assignment

Gambhir's first assignment as head coach will be the upcoming Sri Lanka tour, where India is set to play three T20Is and three ODIs, starting on July 27. This tour will be crucial for Gambhir to establish his coaching philosophy and begin building a team that mirrors his competitive and strategic mindset.

A New Chapter for Indian Cricket

Gambhir's appointment marks a new chapter for Indian cricket. His aggressive yet astute approach is expected to lead the Indian team to new heights. With backing from legends like Steyn, Kallis, and Afridi, Gambhir's journey as India's head coach promises to be an exciting one.

Announcement by BCCI

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially announced Gambhir's appointment, with BCCI Secretary Jay Shah expressing immense pleasure in welcoming Gambhir to his new role. "Modern-day cricket has evolved rapidly, and Gautam has witnessed this changing landscape up close. Having endured the grind and excelled in various roles throughout his career, I am confident that Gautam is the ideal person to steer Indian cricket forward," Shah stated.

Legacy of Rahul Dravid

Gambhir takes over from Rahul Dravid, who concluded his tenure by leading India to a T20 World Cup victory, ending an 11-year ICC trophy drought. Dravid's legacy includes reaching the finals of three ICC events and securing the T20 World Cup 2024 title.

Gambhir's Career Highlights

Gambhir, a celebrated former opener for India, had a remarkable playing career and recently led the Kolkata Knight Riders to victory as a mentor in the 2024 Indian Premier League. His accolades include winning the ICC Test Player of the Year in 2009 and playing crucial roles in India's ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2011 and ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2007 victories.

Conclusion

As Gautam Gambhir embarks on this new chapter as head coach, the expectations are high for his ability to instill a winning mentality within the Indian cricket team. His aggressive playing style and strategic insights, coupled with support from cricketing legends, create a promising outlook for Indian cricket. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching his debut tour against Sri Lanka, eager to see how Gambhir shapes the future of the team and guides it towards further success on the international stage.

Reference

• ESPN Cricinfo: Comprehensive Cricket Coverage
• NDTV Sports: Dale Steyn Warns World Cricket About New India Coach Gautam Gambhir
• ICC Cricket: Gautam Gambhir Announced as New India Head Coach
• Hindustan Times: Jacques Kallis Reacts to Gautam Gambhir's Appointment as India's Head Coach

Check out the above links for more details