Ravi Shastri’s Candid Opinion on Gautam Gambhir’s Head Coach Role: “A No-Nonsense Approach”

Gautam Gambhir will officially begin his role as the head coach of the Indian cricket team on Saturday when the Suryakumar Yadav-led side faces Sri Lanka in the first T20I of their three-match series. Gambhir takes over from Rahul Dravid, whose contract ended last month. The coaching change has sparked considerable discussion about Gambhir’s potential impact.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri, who handed over the reins to Dravid after the 2021 T20 World Cup, has shared his perspective on Gambhir’s appointment. Although Shastri’s tenure didn’t yield an ICC trophy, his leadership saw the team achieve significant milestones, including consecutive Test series victories in Australia.

Gambhir, known for his successful IPL mentorship with Kolkata Knight Riders, brings fresh energy to the role despite his limited coaching experience. Shastri believes Gambhir’s recent success and youthful perspective will benefit the team.

“He’s contemporary, just had a stellar IPL season, and comes with fresh ideas. He’s familiar with most of the players, especially in the white-ball format, from his time in the IPL,” Shastri stated on The ICC Review Show.

However, Shastri noted that Gambhir’s no-nonsense style and effective player management will be crucial for his success.

“He’s straightforward and has a clear vision. His challenge will be to understand his players’ strengths and personalities quickly. While he has the tools and experience for the job, player management will be key,” Shastri added.

Gambhir’s ability to connect with and manage the team effectively will be a significant aspect of his new role, according to Shastri.