Gautam Gambhir reacts to Rahul Dravid’s 'powerful message' that makes him smile ahead of India coaching debut

Gautam Gambhir has been a hot topic in Indian cricket since replacing veteran Rahul Dravid as the new Team India coach. The former two-time World Cup winner will make his India coaching debut with the first T20I against Sri Lanka on Saturday (July 27) in Pallekele. This match also marks the T20I captaincy debut for ace batter Suryakumar Yadav.

So, Dravid had a special and powerful message for Gautam Gambhirthat made him smile.

Hours before the start of the game, the BCCI released a video on its social media handle, where they made Gambhir sit in front of a laptop and watch a video he was unaware of.

Dravid, known for his calm and charming demur, had some wisdom words for the newly-appointed head coach. Being appreciative of Gambhir’s work ethic, to begin with, Dravid acknowledged him, adding a piece of advice, saying irrespective of the result, Gautam must put a smile on his face, which eventually made Gautam smile during the video.

"As your team-mate, I saw you giving it your all on the field," Dravid said to Gambhir. "As your batting partner and fellow fielder, I saw your resilience and refusal to surrender. Across many IPL seasons, I noted your desire to win, your assistance to younger players and your drive to extract the best out of your team on the field.

"I know how dedicated and passionate you are about Indian cricket and I am sure you will bring all these qualities into the new job,” he continued.

Being in Gambhir’s shoes, Dravid knows the pressure of coaching the Indian Team. Briefing Gautam about the challenges that might come his way, Dravid urged him to play for the fans, whom he calls demanding but are always behind the team.

"As you know, the expectations will be high, and the scrutiny will be intense. But even in the worst of times, you will never be alone. You will have the support of the players, your support staff, the leaders of the past, the management and never forget for whom you play - for fans, who are very demanding but will always be behind the team,” Dravid said.

Gambhir replies

Going speechless over this beautiful message from Dravid, Gambhir began saying he was at a loss for words as he felt overwhelmed by this. Gautam continued saying he is thankful for such kind words, and it impacts him because he had grown up idolising Dravid as a cricketer.

"I don't know how to react because this message means so much to me," Gambhir said.

"The reason is not because it comes from the person who I have succeeded but from a person who I have always looked up to when I was playing.

"I have always felt that and I said it in a lot of my interviews - I think the most selfless cricketer I have actually ever played with. Rahul bhai has done anything and everything Indian cricket needed.

"I think there is so much to learn from, not only for me but for the next generation and the current generation as well. That's how important Indian cricket is, not me, not individuals,” Gambhir said.

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(With inputs from agencies)