Former South Africa bowler Dale Steyn praised Gambhir after India named him their new head coach on July 09. Bringing in New head coach Gautam Gambhir will add a new layer of intensity to the Indian cricket team to reach new heights after winning the T20 World Cup 2024 and two final appearances in the WTC and ODI World Cup. Gambhir was part of the squad that won the 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup in his career.
He was also the captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders when the franchise won the title in the 2012 and 2014 editions of IPL. He returned as KKR’s mentor and was the mastermind of KKR’s third title win in the 2024 edition.
Cricket legends like Dale Steyn, Shahid Afridi, and Jacques Kallis have reacted to Gambhir replacing former coach Rahul Dravid as the Indian Cricket Team coach in the dugout.
Dale Steyn Hails India Head Coach Gautam Gambhir
While speaking about Gautam Gambhir’s appointment, Steyn said, “I am a big fan of Gautam Gambhir. I love his aggression. He is one of the few Indians that I have played against that kinda came back at you.”
“And I liked that. I think that he has taken in the dressing room with guys like Virat Kohli and some of the other senior players might not play a big part anymore, I am not too sure. I don’t want to say they are completely out.”
He also highlighted the need for aggressive personalities like Gambhir in the cricket world. “Not just in India but in world cricket. They need guys that are a little more aggressive. They play the game a little harder. We all seem to play in the league against each other and we become quite friendly and friends.”
“I like the way he’s fierce on the field but he’s a gentleman off the field. Then also a street-wise and very smart cricketer and has a great cricket brain. So, I think from that point of view he’s gonna be fantastic for them too,” said Steyn.
Meanwhile, former South Africa captain Graeme Smith also hailed Gambhir’s stint as head coach, Smith felt Gambhir’s aggressive style would add tremendous value to the Indian side.
Great to see guys like him going 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 to that.”
“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 the Indian side. I am sure he’s gonna do a fantastic job and the players will certainly learn a lot from him,” said Smith.
Gautam Gambhir’s first assignment as head coach will start with the upcoming ODI and T20I series against Sri Lanka on July 27.
