"I messaged him, congratulated him. He also messaged me back" - Chandrakant Pandit on Gautam Gambhir's appointment as Team India head coach

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) coach Chandrakant Pandit has expressed his delight at Gautam Gambhir's appointment as Team India's head coach. Pandit worked with Gambhir for KKR in IPL 2024, with the latter acting as the team mentor.

The franchise produced arguably the greatest single-season performance in IPL history by finishing atop the points table and winning their third title. Gambhir also previously captained KKR to their first two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014.

In a recent interview, Pandit said he messaged Gambhir after he was appointed India's next coach. He was quoted as saying by News 18.

"Yesterday, I messaged him, congratulated him. It’s a prestigious job and a prestigious role he is going to play for our country. Obviously, I was very happy to message him. He also messaged me back," said Pandit.

Pandit admitted KKR would miss the services of Gambhir and his rapport with the former Indian batter.

"Obviously yes. We had a good rapport, discussing team strategies and planning with the captain to achieve better combinations. Obviously, we will miss the communication we had," added Pandit.

Gambhir will replace previous head coach Rahul Dravid, who recently helped India win the 2024 T20 World Cup trophy.

Dravid was the Indian head coach from November 2021, replacing Ravi Shastri in the position then.

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"He carries a lot of experience and is definitely the right choice" - Chandrakant Pandit

Chandrakanth Pandit felt Gautam Gambhir was the perfect choice for the role of Indian coach, considering the massive role he played for India and KKR as a player.

Apart from leading KKR to two IPL titles, Gambhir was instrumental in India winning the 2007 and 2011 T20 and ODI World Cups. The southpaw top-scored for India in the finals of both tournaments.

"We’re extremely elated with Gambhir being appointed as the head coach of the Indian cricket team. I’m sure he will do a wonderful job, as he has been doing over the last few years. He has been pivotal for the success of KKR over the years, and also played big roles in India winning the World Cups in 2007 (T20I) and 2011 (ODI). He carries a lot of experience and is definitely the right choice. I’m really happy for BCCI," said Pandit in the same interaction.

While Gambhir's tenure will begin with India's white-ball tour of Sri Lanka at the end of July, his first big assignment will be the Test series in Australia later this year and the 2025 Champions Trophy.