Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian opener known for his aggressive style and unwavering determination, has taken on a new challenge: leading India's men's cricket team. While he's had successful stints as a mentor in the IPL, this is his first foray into international coaching.
While Gambhir may have never held a formal coaching role, he has garnered a reputation as a leader who inspires confidence and demands results. His former teammate and coach, Andy Flower, believes Gambhir possesses many of the qualities needed for success.
"He's certainly got some of the characteristics of a successful coach," says Flower, who has coached Gambhir in the IPL. "He's not your conventional coach, though." He describes Gambhir as an "inspirational leader," someone who has the conviction and courage to drive his team forward.
Gambhir's appointment comes at a time of transition for Indian cricket. With several senior players nearing the end of their careers, the team is looking to build a new generation of talent. Flower believes Gambhir has the opportunity to shape the future of Indian cricket, fostering a long-term vision for the team.
"The biggest difference between the two jobs [franchise and international cricket] is that in the international arena you are developing a team and you are developing individuals with a medium- to long-term outlook," explains Flower.
Gambhir's intensity and passion are well documented. Venkatesh Iyer, the India and Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder, recounts how Gambhir's forthrightness helped turn around the team's performance in the IPL.
"He told us that we didn't bowl and we didn't stick to our plans," says Iyer. "That meeting was revolutionary."
Iyer also highlights Gambhir's ability to empathise with players, noting his understanding of the emotional rollercoaster a cricketer goes through.
Former India and Delhi wicketkeeper Vijay Dahiya, who has known Gambhir for over two decades, believes Gambhir's experience as a player and leader will be invaluable in communicating with the Indian team.
"Been-there-done-that makes a lot of difference," Dahiya says. "His chats with individuals make a lot of impact."
Both Dahiya and Flower acknowledge Gambhir's strong opinions and his willingness to engage in tough debates. However, they also emphasize his ability to listen and consider different perspectives.
"He does have very strong opinions, and he can be very black and white about certain things," says Flower. "But he is a smart guy. He's not a man that is incapable of changing his mind or listening."
One of Gambhir's standout qualities as a leader is his calmness on the field, even in high-pressure situations. This composure, according to Flower, is a result of his awareness of how his actions are perceived.
"He's fiery, there's no doubt about that," says Flower. "He's got tons of passion inside him... A lot of players will like that. They will like the fact that he'll be willing to stand up for them."
While Gambhir's transition to international coaching seems natural, he will face challenges, particularly in managing the team's "superstars."
A source privy to the Indian dressing room highlights the difference between the franchise model and the international setup. "It is not like a franchise model, where you are the boss and you can dictate terms. That won't work here," the source says.
Gambhir's success will also depend on his ability to trust and empower his coaching staff. While he has assembled a team of experienced coaches, including Abhishek Nayar, Ryan ten Doeschate, and Morne Morkel, he will need to ensure they are able to complement his own style.
"He cannot do it all," says Flower. "He will need his assistant coaches to complement him. As we know he is quite intense and passionate, so his assistant coaches might have to add other qualities, like the ability to get close to the players."
Ultimately, Gambhir's legacy as a coach will be defined not only by titles but also by the intangible contributions he makes to Indian cricket.
"Everybody is talking about how he has a winner's mentality," says Dahiya. "So you want to see how he helps India develop a style of play, a mentality akin to what Australia had in the 1990s and 2000s - that we can win by playing a certain style of cricket no matter what situation it is. It's time for Indian cricket to dominate."
As Gambhir embarks on this new chapter, he will face intense scrutiny and pressure. Flower advises him to let his lighter side shine through and manage his energy carefully.
"Sometimes what people don't see with GG is that he is very capable of smiling and having a giggle," Flower says. "He needs to allow that to come out."
The journey ahead for Gambhir will be challenging, but his passion, determination, and experience make him a formidable leader. Whether he can lead India to new heights and inspire a new generation of cricketers remains to be seen.
