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Gautam Gambhir’s selection as the head coach of the Indian cricket team has ignited a wave of excitement among key figures in the cricketing fraternity, including South African stalwarts Dale Steyn and Jacques Kallis.
Steyn and Kallis have endorsed Gambhir’s appointment, hailing it as a significant step forward for Indian cricket. According to these legendary South African players, Gambhir’s assertive approach and strategic acumen promise to inject a fresh vitality into the Indian team. They believe his blend of aggression and tactical intelligence will introduce a compelling new dimension to the squad.
Dale Steyn and Jacques Kallis welcome Gautam Gambhir’s appointment as India’s head coach.
Steyn, renowned for his aggressive approach on the cricket pitch, expressed his deep admiration for Gambhir’s bold style of play. According to the former South African speedster, Gambhir’s fierce competitiveness and unwavering intensity will greatly benefit Team India. Steyn also praised Gambhir’s unique ability to thrive under pressure, contrasting him favorably against his peers.
In addition to Gambhir’s on-field prowess, Steyn highlighted his off-field persona, describing him as a gentleman despite his fierce demeanor during matches. Steyn believes this blend of competitiveness and sportsmanship, coupled with Gambhir’s strategic insight and cricketing knowledge, positions him as a formidable leader capable of motivating and steering the Indian team to success.
Furthermore, Steyn revealed that his friendship with Gambhir blossomed during their participation in Legends League Cricket, underscoring their mutual respect and camaraderie off the field.
I’m a big fan of Gautam Gambhir: Dale Steyn
Dale Steyn said on Star Sports: “I’m a big fan of Gautam Gambhir. I love his aggression. He’s one of the few Indians that I ever played against who kind of came back at you. And I like that. They need guys that are a little bit more aggressive and that play the game a little bit harder. I like the way that he’s fierce on the field. He’s a gentleman off the field. But he was also streetwise, a very smart cricketer, and had a great cricket brain. So, I think from that point of view, he’s going to be fantastic for them too.”
Steyn dropped a bombshell by suggesting that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma could take a backseat in the Indian dressing room under Gambhir’s leadership as head coach. According to the former Proteas bowler, Gambhir’s role will not only involve leading the team on the field but also shaping the team’s direction and dynamics off it.
He mentioned that Gambhir’s appointment as India’s head coach means that Kohli and Rohit will be completely out of the world of cricket. Steyn added, “I want to say that they’re completely out. Not just in India, but in world cricket.”
I’m sure he’ll do a fantastic job: Jacques Kallis on Gautam Gambhir
Jacques Kallis, the esteemed South African all-rounder, echoed Steyn’s sentiments by highlighting Gambhir’s formidable cricketing acumen and aggressive playing style. Kallis emphasized that Gambhir’s approach is poised to inject a renewed vigor into the Indian cricket team, creating an environment conducive to player development and learning from a revered figure like the 2011 World Cup hero.
According to Kallis, Gambhir’s deep-seated passion for cricket and his strategic insights are poised to become invaluable assets for the Indian team. The former Proteas stalwart expressed confidence that Gambhir’s presence will significantly enhance the team’s capabilities, paving the way for them to reach unprecedented heights in the sport.
Jacques Kallis said in the same interview: “It’s great to see Gautam getting into the coaching side of things. He’s got a really good cricket brain. He’ll bring some fire. He loves playing the game aggressively. I think he’ll bring that added touch, and the guys will certainly learn a lot from him. And he’s got a lot to add. He’s going to add a lot of value to that Indian side. I wish him all the best. It’s not too much against us, but I’m sure he’ll do a fantastic job. And the players will certainly learn a lot from him.”
