Rahul Dravid was recently replaced by Gautam Gambhir as the head coach of the Indian National Cricket Team. Recently, in a conversation with Virat Kohli, Gautam Gambhir revealed that he never wanted to become the Indian team’s head coach as he never thought of it. And, also, Gambhir explained to Kohli what reason convinced him to take this position replacing Rahul Dravid, whose tenure had come to an end after the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
Association with Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2024
With the taste of success in IPL 2024, Gautam Gambhir was expected to continue in the KKR (Kolkata Knight Riders) franchise for the long term. Suddenly, but fortunately, Gambhir found himself to be the center of discussion as a strong contender for head coaching of the national team of India.
It is said that Gautam Gambhir’s sharp intuition and analyzing skills brushed up the talents of KKR and led the team to a glorious victory. So it was highly anticipated that he would continue to stay associated with the franchise for upcoming seasons as well.
Meanwhile, it was Rahul Dravid’s tenure that came to an end and there was a hunt for a proper replacement. And, that is when Gautam Gambhir’s name popped out everywhere and every spectator and cricket strategist was almost sure of his appointment as head coach.
Virat Kohli’s Questions to Gautam Gambhir
In a recent discussion where Virat Kohli asked a few questions to Gautam Gambhir, he said that he never dreamt of it and had no idea he would be the head coach of the Indian team.
Here is the exact conversation that happened between Kohli and Gambhir:
Virat Kohli:“ Well! Gautam, were you earlier curious about coaching during your cricketing days?”
Gautam Gambhir: “Not exactly! To be honest, I never wanted to be a coach while I was a player in the Indian team.”
Virat Kohli: “Another question! Have you ever felt you would become the coach of the Indian national cricket team?”
Gautam Gambhir: “Not at all! I was not even thinking about coaching up to even 3 months before I said yes and took up this job.”
Virat Kohli: “The most interesting question! What has inspired you to take up this role as Indian team head coach?”
Gautam Gambhir: “See! The fact is that I love taking up new challenges and I happened to think about the Champions Trophy and the World Cup. And, that is when I decided to go for this role and become a head coach of the national cricket team. Of course, it is a great honor for me again to be a part of the team that I used to be. So, it is an honorable comeback for me with a different role and contribution to the team. For me, it is a wonderful opportunity to again serve Indian cricket, and I am thankful for it.”
Gautam Gambhir accepted the Head Coach role because of Rahul Dravid’s Tenure to End.
Also, in the latter part of the conversation, Gautam Gambhir explained that the first and foremost reason is Rahul Dravid’s tenure that ended after the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Because, until then he had no intention to take up this position or to replace a legendary cricketer like Rahul Dravid who serves greater value to the Indian Cricket.
New Phase and New Turn awaits Gautam Gambhir
Even during the recent conversation with Virat Kohli, Gautam Gambhir explained the reason that he had no intention or had never thought about coaching the Indian team. But now every spectator and fan is eager to see how Gambhir would blend with the different situations and handle the various challenges of international cricket. Because this is completely a new phase for Gautam Gambhir that he might have never witnessed before.
As earlier Rishabh Pant said on the Jio platform Rahul Dravid was a balanced cricketer either as a coach or being the best human being. And he added saying that, there is nothing good or bad because it just depends on the individual’s focus on how he sees. In Rishabh’s opinion, he feels Gautam Gambhir is very aggressive and obsessed, aligning his mind towards winning. And, says, it is all about finding the perfect balance and improving, which is the best part of international cricket.
India vs. Bangladesh Two-Test Series under Gautam Gambhir Head Coaching
On 19th September 2024, the two-test series began where India captained by Hitman Rohit Sharma is facing Bangladesh, with the match being played in Chennai. After this, for the three-test, India will face New Zealand, before it makes its way to Australia for the Border Gavaskar Trophy.
↻ Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25 Schedule: India Tour of Australia 5-match Test Series
