As the Indian cricket team gears up for their upcoming ODI and T20I series in Sri Lanka, the spotlight is on Gautam Gambhir, who recently replaced Rahul Dravid as the head coach. The former opener’s first overseas tour as coach begins on July 27. Former cricketer Robin Uthappa, a key player under Gambhir’s captaincy at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), expressed confidence in Gambhir’s coaching abilities and his partnership with captain Rohit Sharma.
Gambhir’s Man-Management Skills
Uthappa heaped praise on Gambhir, emphasizing his exceptional man-management skills. “He has been an incredible man manager,” Uthappa said during a virtual interaction organized by Sony Sports Network. “The narrative that is set about him as a player on social media is one that is quite ‘Gambhir’. But, I think, individually, he is a thorough gentleman. He will be absolutely approachable. He is someone who is always available, he is very empathetic and he is there for his players. He looks after his players really well and he is someone who provides security for the group.”
Uthappa highlighted Gambhir’s past success in creating secure environments for players to thrive, both as a captain and mentor. “We have seen that, not just as a captain, but in his mentorship roles at LSG and KKR. We have seen the results he has produced with both teams.”
Transition from Dravid to Gambhir
Gambhir, who took over from Dravid last month, has already begun implementing his vision for the team. During a press conference in Mumbai, Gambhir shared his thoughts on his new role and his approach to team management. “Our ultimate aim is to take Indian cricket forward,” Gambhir stated. He also addressed his relationship with Virat Kohli, emphasizing a team-first mentality. “I will back my players to the hilt.”
Reflecting on the previous coaching era, Uthappa mentioned the effectiveness of the Rohit-Dravid partnership. “Rohit wrote a heartwarming note for Rahul Dravid after the T20 World Cup triumph, calling him his ‘work wife’ and acknowledging his approachable nature. I expect nothing different from Gambhir.”
Expectations from the Rohit-Gambhir Partnership
Uthappa believes the Rohit-Gambhir combination will be distinct yet equally effective compared to the Rohit-Dravid duo. “I don’t think his leadership style will change very much. I just think that his passion and the intensity that he brings to this team will be different. He will expect high standards, and he will maintain a high standard himself as a leader. I think he will be a very fair leader and he is someone who provides security to his group. So, I think Rohit and Gautam will make a different combination than Rohit and Dravid, but I think it will be as effective.”
Gambhir’s Leadership Qualities
Uthappa underscored Gambhir’s ability to thrive under pressure and his knack for identifying and seizing opportunities. “He has always been someone who has thrived under pressure. He is someone who looked at the big stages as places of opportunity. As far as I am concerned, I look at him similarly as a leader of this group. He will look for the big opportunity, he will try and get that same attitude and the same kind of performance from his players. He will create opportunities for people to thrive, and he will create an environment like that, I can vouch for it.”
Further elaborating on Gambhir’s leadership, Uthappa added, “He is not just a great captain, a great tactician but he is an incredible leader of men. He is an incredible leader of people. He creates infrastructures within the group that allow people to thrive. I believe in people operating from a place of security so that they can thrive rather than operating from a place of insecurity where they try to survive.”
Upcoming Series in Sri Lanka
The Indian team will begin their series with a three-match T20I series in Pallekele from July 27 to 30, followed by a three-match ODI series in Colombo from August 2 to 7. The series will be a test for the new coach-captain duo as they aim to build a strong foundation for the future of Indian cricket.
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