Brett Lee and Gautam Gambhir. (Source – Twitter/X)
Gautam Gambhir’s tenure as the head coach of the Indian team will begin in the upcoming series against Sri Lanka. The former cricketer has done a commendable job as the mentor of Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League, which has earned him his maiden coaching role. Ahead of his term, former Australia cricketer Brett Lee lauded Gambir and talked about his aggression and winning attitude.
The former pacer pointed out that Gambhir has been successful in every opportunity he was given. The southpaw played decisive knocks in the T20 World Cup final in 2007 and in the ODI World Cup 2011 and later, helped KKR to win the trophy in 2012 and 2014. As a mentor, Gambhir helped LSG qualify for the playoffs in 2022 and 2023 and later joined KKR and won the title in 2024.
Lee added that Gambhir can build a solid structure and knows the recipe for success. He mentioned that India are in safe hands with Gambhir and also congratulated Rahul Dravid on his successful stint, in which, India played the finals of the World Test Championship and ODI World Cup before winning the T20 World Cup in 2024.
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“He’s (Gautam Gambhir) done a terrific job every time he’s had an opportunity. The Indian Premier League title with KKR is the best example. He’s always been there, always at the top of his game. He finds a way to unite his players and graft his team together. He builds a solid structure. He has been a terrific player, and his aggression and winning attitude will help India. He has shone internationally as a player. India is in safe hands with Gautam Gambhir as coach. Congratulations to Rahul for finishing on a high,” Lee told Times of India.
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BCCI yet to finalize batting and bowling coaches for Team India
In the meantime, BCCI is yet to finalize Gambhir’s support staff. There were talks of Abhishek Nayar being appointed as the batting coach but BCCI is yet to confirm. On the other hand, Morne Morkel, Lakshmipathy Balaji and Zaheer Khan were reported as contenders for the bowling coach role.