[Watch] "This message actually made me a lot emotional" - Gautam Gambhir reacts to heartfelt message from Rahul Dravid

Newly-appointed Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir was visibly emotional in reaction to a heartfelt message from his predecessor Rahul Dravid in a video shared by the BCCI's social media handles. Dravid was the Indian coach from November 2021 till the end of the 2024 T20 World Cup.

He signed off the perfect note with the Men in Blue emerging victorious in the ICC event in the West Indies and the USA. Dravid also coached India to the World Test Championship (WTC) and ODI World Cup final last year.

With Gambhir ready to begin his stint in India's white-ball tour of Sri Lanka on Saturday, July 27, Dravid left a touching and inspiring message for his successor and former teammate.

Gambhir mentioned how emotional Dravid's Message was before hailing the legendary cricketer.

Here is the video shared by BCCI on their X handle:

"I feel I think I don't get too emotional normally. But I think this message actually made me a lot emotional, which normally I assume, but it's a great message. Hopefully, I can. It's massive shoes to fill. Hopefully, I can do it with aptitude, honesty, transparency and, hopefully, I can make the entire nation proud," Gambhir said.

Gambhir recently helped Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) win their third IPL title in his first year as team mentor.

The T20 and ODI World Cup-winning cricketer also captained the franchise to their first two titles in 2012 and 2014.

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"Exhale, take a step back, and even if it's difficult for you, crack a smile" - Rahul Dravid

Rahul Dravid praised Gautam Gambhir for his resilience and will to win during his playing days, while also asking him to crack a smile under the most trying circumstances.

The duo played together for India at the latter stages of Dravid's illustrious career and the start of Gambhir's.

"I know how dedicated and passionate you are about Indian cricket, and I'm sure you will bring all these qualities into this new job. For the fans who are very demanding but will always be behind the team, from one Indian cricket coach to another, one last thing in the most heated of times exhale, take a step back, and even if it's difficult for you, crack a smile. Whatever else happens, that will shock people," said Dravid in the video shared by BCCI.

Meanwhile, Gambhir's tenure begins with India taking on Sri Lanka in the T20I series opener at Pallekele on Saturday. The series will also be Suryakumar Yadav's first as India's permanent T20I captain.