Gautam Gambhir Pays Classy Tribute To Rahul Dravid As New India Coach

Gautam Gambhir, in his first press conference as the head coach of the Indian cricket team, subtly honoured his predecessor. This came after India's campaign at the T20 World Cup 2024 concluded.

Gambhir, who played under Rahul Dravid during his 13-year career, acknowledged the team's recent successes. He emphasised that he did not want to make drastic changes and stressed the importance of building trust.

"It is very simple, it is important to give players freedom - that's what I believe in - and not have a relationship of a head coach and a player. The best relationship is one built on trust. The most important thing is they'll always have my backing," Gambhir stated during the press conference in Mumbai on Monday, July 22.

The former India opener also recognised that he was inheriting a highly successful team. Under Rahul Dravid's leadership, India had notable achievements including reaching the semi-final of T20 World Cup 2022, WTC final in 2023, World Cup final in 2023, becoming Asia Cup Champions in 2023, and winning the T20 World Cup.

"I don't complicate too many things. I am taking over a very, very successful team - India are T20 world champions, have been runners-up in the World Test Championship and the 50-overs World Cup," Gambhir remarked.

The two-time World Cup-winning cricketer reiterated his belief that 'a winning dressing room is a happy dressing room'. He highlighted that it was crucial for support staff to maintain player happiness amidst the pressures of international cricket.

Role of Support Staff

"My learning has been simple - it has been all about winning. I don't deviate from something. We are in a profession where there can be only one winner. We try and play fair, we try and play hard, and try and come back in a winning dressing room and a happy dressing room," Gambhir explained.

"A happy dressing room is a winning dressing room. Ultimately, it is the players' team. The support staff is there to try and get the maximum out of their potential," he added.

Gambhir acknowledged that international cricket can be challenging and sometimes insecure since only 15 players can be selected. He emphasised that it was the support staff's responsibility to keep players content.

Upcoming Series

India's T20I series kicks off on July 27 in Pallekele. Following this series will be a three-match ODI series featuring Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli returning to action.

The new head coach's approach focuses on maintaining simplicity while fostering an environment where players feel supported and trusted. This strategy aims to continue India's recent streak of success under Rahul Dravid's tenure.