'No Bigger Honour': Gautam Gambhir's First Reaction on Being India's Head Coach

There has been a lot of chatter regarding who would take up the role of Head Coach for the senior men’s team following the T20 World Cup 2024. Among the front-runners was none other than Gautam Gambhir who’s stocks are on the rise after leading the Kolkata Knight Riders to the title in IPL 2024 as a mentor for the franchise. The former Indian international who has stayed silent amidst the rumours, finally broke his silence on taking up the head coaching job.

The KKR mentor was on a personal trip to Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates where he paid a visit to one of the sports medicine facilities of Medeor Hospital.

One of the students who was present at the gathering took a chance to ask Gambhir the question that has been plaguing the minds of the many fans of Indian cricket and Gambhir was courteous enough to give a response.

“I would love to coach the Indian team. There is no bigger honour than coaching your national team. You are representing 140 crore Indians and those across the globe as well,” said the 42-year-old at an event in Abu Dhabi.

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Gambhir believes that for India to end their long-standing title drought, their massive fanbase will play a vital role and insists that their blessings will help them get over the line.

“It is 140 crore Indians who will help India win the World Cup. If everyone starts praying for us and we start playing and representing them, India will win the World Cup. The most important thing is to be fearless,” said Gambhir.

Speaking about his recent success with KKR, Gambhir insists that he only focused on one major aspect, which is to help keep the dressing room positive which eventually led to the franchise winning their third title.

“A secure dressing room is a happy dressing room, and a happy dressing room ends up in a winning dressing room. The only thing I did in the KKR was follow this mantra. With God’s grace it actually worked,” he said.

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Rahul Dravid who is currently the head coach of the Indian side, will likely not continue the role following the T20 World Cup 2024 and the BCCI is yet to reveal who will be the next coach for the senior men’s team.

(with PTI Inputs)