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Former South African pacer Dale Steyn hailed Gautam Gambhir for his aggression after Team India appointed him their head coach on July 9. Gambhir helped India win the 2007 and 2011 T20 and ODI World Cups during his playing career with game-changing knocks in the final.
Furthermore, he captained Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to IPL glory in 2012 and 2014. Gambhir returned as Team Mentor for the 2024 season and helped KKR win a third IPL title.
When asked about Gambhir's appointment as the Indian head coach, Steyn told Star Sports:
"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."
Steyn also highlighted the need for aggressive personalities like Gambhir in world cricket.
"Not just in India but 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 got a great cricket brain. So, I think from that point of view he's gonna be fantastic for them too," said Steyn.
Gambhir will take over the Indian head coaching role from Rahul Dravid, who performed the role from November 2021 till the recently concluded T20 World Cup.
During Dravid's tenure, India reached the World Test Championship (WTC) and ODI World Cup final last year and triumphed in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
"He's got a really good cricket brain on him" - Graeme Smith on Gautam Gambhir
In the same segment on Star Sports, Former South African captain Graeme Smith praised India's appointment of Gautam Gambhir as head coach. Smith felt Gambhir would mix fire and tactical acumen to 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 in 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.
Gambhir's first assignment as Indian coach will be the three-match T20I and ODI series in Sri Lanka, starting July 27.
