‘Rohit and Gautam will make...’: T20 WC winner’s big claim on new captain-coach after Dravid’s term

Former Indian batter Robin Uthappa made a big claim on new captain-coach Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir. With Gambhir replacing Rahul Dravid as new India head coach, until 2027 ODI World Cup, all eyes are on how he takes the team forward across formats. Gambhir will be working closely with Rohit, who will continue to lead India in Tests and ODIs and work in tandem with Suryakumar Yadav, the new T20I skipper. Uthappa, who has played under Gambhir in Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), feels Rohit-Gambhir will be 'as effective' as Rohit-Dravid.

'Gambhir is someone who is always available andprovides security to his group'

During a virtual interaction by Sony Sports Network, Uthappa said, "He (Gambhir) has been an incredible man manager. The narrative that is set about him as a player on social media is one that is quite 'Gambhir'. But, I think, individually, he is a thorough gentleman. He will be absolutely approachable. He is someone who is always available, he is very empathetic and he is there for his players. He looks after his players really well and he is someone who provides security for the group. We have seen that, not just as a captain, but in his mentorship roles at LSG and KKR. We have seen the results he has produced with both teams."

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He further opined, "I don't think his leadership style will change very much. I just think that his passion and the intensity that he brings to this team will be different. He will expect high standards, and he will maintain a high standard himself as a leader. I think he will be a very fair leader and he is someone who provides security to his group. So, I think Rohit and Gautam will make a different combination than Rohit and Dravid, but I think it will be as effective."

Uthappa added, "He has always been someone who has thrived under pressure. He is someone who looked at the big stages as places of opportunity. As far as I am concerned, I look at him similarly as a leader of this group. He will look for the big opportunity, he will try and get that same attitude and the same kind of performance from his players. He will create opportunities for people to thrive, and he will create an environment like that, I can vouch for it."

"He is not just a great captain, a great tactician but he is an incredible leader of men. He is an incredible leader of people. He creates infrastructures within the group that allow people to thrive. I believe in people operating from a place of security so that they can thrive rather than operating from a place of insecurity where they try to survive," the two-time IPL winner concluded.

Gambhir has not coached a team at the competitive level, however, he has been immensely successful as KKR captain from 2011-2017. Under his mentorship, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) reached the playoffs on both occasions -- in 2022 and 2023 -- whereas Kolkata won their first-ever IPL title after 2014 early this year.

Gambhir's first assignment as India coach kicks off on July 27 (Saturday) with Suryakumar-led India locking horns with Sri Lanka in a three-match T20I series opener in Pallekele. The T20I leg will be followed by three ODIs, in Colombo.