'Great Cricket Brain' Gautam Gambhir Gets Backing of Legends to Succeed as India Coach

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The appointment of former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir as the new head coach of the national men's cricket team has garnered significant approval from cricketing legends worldwide.

Gambhir, who takes over from Rahul Dravid after his successful tenure crowned with an ICC T20 World Cup victory, has been lauded for his cricketing acumen and aggressive playing style.

Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi, who had a well-known on-field rivalry with Gambhir, also weighed in on 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."

South African pace legend Dale Steyn also praised Gambhir, highlighting his distinctive on-field aggression balanced by an off-field gentlemanly demeanour.

"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. He further noted the impact Gambhir could have in the dressing room, especially with players like Virat Kohli and other senior members.

Graeme Smith, Steyn's former teammate and one of cricket's greatest all-rounders, echoed these sentiments, praising 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. 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 further emphasized the need for aggressive players like Gambhir in world cricket. "Not just in India but in world cricket. They need guys that are a little bit more aggressive. They play the game a little bit harder.

"We all seem to play in the league against each other and we became quite friendly and friends. I like the way that he's fierce on the field but he's a gentleman off the field. 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," Steyn added.