Rohit & Gautam Will Make A Different Combination But...: Ex-India Batter Makes Big Prediction

Gautam Gambhir is all set to begin his stint as the new head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team this week. He was appointed for the top job on July 9 after Rahul Dravid’s stint as head coach came to an end in June 2024. In Gambhir’s first assignment as head coach, India will face Sri Lanka in three T20Is and as many ODI matches. Former world No. 1 T20I batter Suryakumar Yadav will lead India in T20Is, and Rohit Sharma will be the captain of the Indian team in ODIs.

Ahead of India’s first match under Gambhir’s mentorship, former Indian batter Robin Uthappa has reserved big praise for his former teammate and KKR captain by saying that Gautam has a ‘Gambhir’ reputation on social media, but he will create a secure environment for players to thrive, and his stint with the Indian cricket team will be a fruitful one.

“He has been an incredible man manager. 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,” Uthappa was quoted as saying by India Today.

“He looks after his players really well, and he is someone who provides security for the group. 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,” the former India batter added.

Uthappa, who has played with both Gambhir and Rohit during his India days, said that Rohit’s association with Gambhir will be as effective as his association with Rahul Dravid.

“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,” Uthappa said.