'Great Cricket Brain' Gautam Gambhir Endorsed By Legends As India's New Coach

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir's appointment as the head coach of the national men's cricket team has received widespread acclaim from cricket legends globally.

Gambhir, succeeding Rahul Dravid after a successful tenure that included an ICC T20 World Cup win, is praised for his cricketing intellect and aggressive playing style. His approach on the field has always been marked by intensity and strategic thinking.

South African pace legend Dale Steyn commended Gambhir, highlighting his unique blend of on-field aggression and off-field gentlemanly behaviour. "I am a big fan of Gautam Gambhir. I love his aggression. He is one of the few Indians that I have played against who kinda came back at you. And I liked that," Steyn remarked while speaking to Star Sports.

Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi, known for his on-field rivalry with Gambhir, also expressed approval of the appointment. Afridi praised Gambhir's positive and straightforward nature, saying, "I believe this new opportunity is huge. It depends on how he avails it. Sometimes we get to hear his interviews, he speaks very positively and is straightforward."

Steyn further noted the impact Gambhir could have in the dressing room, especially with players like Virat Kohli and other senior members. He emphasized the need for aggressive players like Gambhir in world cricket, stating that such players bring a necessary edge to the game.

Cricketing Intellect

Graeme Smith, Steyn's former teammate and one of cricket's greatest all-rounders, echoed these sentiments. He praised Gambhir's cricketing intellect: "Great to see guys like him moving 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. The guys will certainly learn a lot from him and he's got a lot to add," Smith continued. "He's gonna add a lot of value to that Indian side. Wish him all the best but not too much against us," Smith said.

Steyn added that world cricket needs more players like Gambhir who play hard but maintain respect off the field. "We all seem to play in the league against each other and we became quite friendly and friends," Steyn said.

"I like the way that he's fierce on the field but he's a gentleman off the field," Steyn added. "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."

The support from these cricket legends underscores the high expectations placed on Gambhir as he steps into this new role.