Shahid Afridi Praises Gautam Gambhir’s Appointment as Team India’s Head Coach

Former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi welcomed the appointment of former batter Gautam Gambhir as the head coach of Team India, emphasizing the significant opportunity Gambhir has and lauding him as a positive and straightforward individual.

On Tuesday, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah announced that Gambhir has been appointed as the Indian men’s cricket team’s new head coach.

In an exclusive interview with Star Sports, Afridi shared his thoughts on Gambhir’s new role. “I think it is a big opportunity, and we need to see how he makes the most of it. I have seen his interviews, and he talks positively and is very straightforward,” Afridi said.

Gambhir, a left-handed opener for India, also served as the team mentor for Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League 2024, leading them to their third IPL trophy this season.

The left-hander was instrumental in Team India’s victories in the ICC T20 World Cup 2007 and ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, delivering match-winning performances in the finals. Throughout his career, Gambhir represented India in 242 matches, scoring 10,324 runs at an average of 38.95, with 20 centuries and 63 half-centuries in 283 innings. His highest score was 206.

Rahul Dravid’s tenure as head coach of Team India concluded after the T20 World Cup 2024 final, where India defeated South Africa by seven runs to win the prestigious trophy after 17 years.

Reflecting on the T20 World Cup 2024 final, Virat Kohli and Axar Patel’s attacking partnership propelled India to a competitive total of 176/7. Despite a tense defense, the Men in Blue managed to clinch a 7-run win, securing their second T20 World Cup title.