Gautam Gambhir

‘Fair character’, ‘has the fire’, ‘can infuse winning culture’: Gautam Gambhir can be the kind of coach India need | Cricket News

Danijones5 months ago06 mins

While it has been widely reported that former India opener Gautam Gambhir as the new India coach is a ‘done deal’, an official announcement on the team’s new boss replacing Rahul Dravid might take a few more days to come. But experts have no doubt left that Gambhir is the kind of character who has the fire inside him to take the Indian team to new heights.Among his most recent successes, Gambhir took over the role of Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) mentor just before IPL 2024 and turned out to be the chief architect of KKR’s third triumph in the T20 league. It only added to his credentials as a mentor, after he had taken Lucknow Super Giants to the playoffs in two successive editions, before making a move to join KKR in a similar role. “What a record he has had as a coach!” said the former wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik, who announced his retirment after IPL 2024, on Cricbuzz. “Being a mentor for LSG, two years on the bounce qualifying (for playoffs), comes to KKR and they say, ‘Please, you got to do something special for us’. Ends up winning the trophy.” It was effectively Gambhir’s third IPL title in KKR colours. When the team won its two titles in 2012 and 2014, Gambhir was the KKR captain. “He has been at the helm, taken all the decisions (for KKR), be it sending (Sunil) Narine opening or getting Mitchell Starc in the auction — in all of those big recruits and getting the right team, the right balance, and then taking all the shots,” Karthik, who has previously played for KKR in the IPL, said.“I am seeing in the news that he could be part of the Indian team (chief coach) as well, and I really wish he does. He has that fire in him,” Gambhir added. Gambhir’s track record as a player and coach/mentor reflects that he knows what it takes to win big tournaments. Besides three IPL titles with KKR, Gambhir was part of the team under MS Dhoni when India won the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup.Karthik believes that Gambhir has put things in such proper order at KKR that even if he has to leave the job and take up the role of India’s chief coach, KKR remain well placed to excel in the next IPL season as well. “I think he has really built a good (KKR) team, one that will have a lot of players retained and he has left them in a very, very good place. And if he gets the opporunity (India coach), I really wish he takes it. Being part of the national team and the patriotism that he has, I think he will definitely be tempted to take it and I really wish he comes in because he will infuse that winning culture he has infused here (at KKR),” reckoned Gambhir. “India would do very well under him because I feel he has that fire that is required.“When it comes to KKR, whenever he is back (after stint as India coach), they will take him back with open arms. But I do believe he has left Shreyas Iyer and the team in a much better place than it was when he took it (mentorship role).” Former New Zealand pace Simon Doul was also part of the discussion on Cricbuzz, and fully agreed with Karthik’s opinion.“Those (Gambhir) are the kind of people you want at the helm — highly respected, tough. He is a tough character, but I think he is very fair character and I think he’ll do a great job if he were to take over, if he were to accept the role,” said Doull.The tenure of current India coach, Rahul Dravid, will end after the T20 World Cup in June.

“Whether Gautam Gambhir Becomes Coach Or Ashish Nehra…”: Ex-India Star’s Clear Message

Danijones5 months ago04 mins

File photo of Gautam Gambhir© AFP There has been a lot of speculation over the selection of Indian cricket team’s new head coach. Rahul Dravid’s tenure as coach will come to an end after the T20 World Cup 2024 and the BCCI have already started discussions with some potential candidates. Reports suggested that Gautam Gambhir was the front-runner for the job with Ashish Nehra also in the fray. As of now, it seems like the BCCI are keen of appointing an Indian coach and reports claimed that not many foreign coaches have applied for the position. Former Indian cricket team spinner Harbhajan Singh believes that whoever becomes the next coach should work on bringing “everyone together” in the side. “If I say it properly, it is a speculation, which is doing rounds…the biggest thing a coach can do is to bring everyone together, so that team plays together. So, whether Gautam becomes coach or Ashish Nehra, or whosoever gets the opportunity, hope they do better than what others before them did,” he told PTI. Harbhajan ruled himself out of the head coach race stating that he has a young family and the appointment will be a huge commitment for him. “I don’t think I will be able to give that much time. At this stage of my life I have a young family and I need to be around them and look after them. Yes, when the right time comes, I will put my foot forward and say I am ready for it,” he said. Meanwhile, Rinku Singh opened up about missing out on T20 World Cup 2024 selection. “Yes, anyone feels a little bad if he is not selected despite good performance. However, this time I could not get selected due to the team combination. It is okay, one should not think too much about things that are not in one’s hands. Yes, I was a little upset in the beginning. Whatever happened is fine. Whatever happens happens for good. Rohit Bhaiya did not say anything special. He only said that just keep working hard. There is a World Cup again after two years. There is no need to worry too much. This is what he said to me,” Rinku said in an interview with Dainik Jagran. Topics mentioned in this article

‘Can I bring my girlfriend?’: Gautam Gambhir reveals first conversation with ‘KKR’s MVP and brother’ Sunil Narine | Cricket News

Danijones5 months ago04 mins

NEW DELHI: Kolkata Knight Riders mentor Gautam Gambhir has heaped praise on star all-rounder Sunil Narine, who played a pivotal role in KKR’s third Indian Premier League title this year. Narine was named the ‘Most Valuable Player’ of IPL 2024. Narine regained his magical touch this season, scoring 488 runs and taking 17 wickets throughout the tournament.In a recent interaction with Sportskeeda, Gambhir spoke about his camaraderie with Narine and reminisced about the latter’s early days in the KKR camp.Gambhir, who captained KKR to their IPL victories in 2012 and 2014, highlighted Narine’s crucial role in those triumphs.”Me and Narine are similar characters, and so are our emotions. I still remember that when Narine first came into the IPL in 2012, it was in Jaipur, and we were going for practice, and I told him to come join for lunch. He was so shy that he did not say a single word during lunch, and the first question that he eventually asked was, ‘Can I bring my girlfriend to the IPL?’,” Gambhir recalled.Gambhir suggested that he and Narine share a special bond, describing the all-rounder as a brother. “He was so quiet that first season, but now, we can talk about anything. He is like a brother to me. I don’t see him as a friend, I don’t see him as a teammate, I see him as a brother. If I need him or he needs me, I think we are just one call away, that is the sort of relationship that we have built. We do not get excited much, we do not show too many emotions, we are not flamboyant, we just do the job and come back,” he added.Gambhir also emphasized Narine’s consistent value to KKR, asserting that he has always been the team’s ‘MVP’. “What can I say about him? Even if he didn’t win the ‘most valuable player award’ he would have still been the MVP. You are looking at his stats but he was KKR’s MVP even before the season got underway. The world has seen his talent as an all-rounder and I’m sure that Narine still has plenty to give to KKR and world cricket,” Gambhir explained.

‘Choose wisely’: Sourav Ganguly makes veiled comment as BCCI hunt for new India coach | Cricket News

Danijones5 months ago04 mins

With Rahul Dravid‘s tenure as India coach ending after the T20 World Cup in June, the hunt for India’s new head coach has already gathered pace, with reports suggesting BCCI’s interest tilted towards Kolkata Knight Riders’ mentor and former India opener Gautam Gambhir. However, in a post on X on Thursday, former BCCI president and India captain Sourav Ganguly seemed to have indirectly advised the BCCI to “choose…wisely”.“The coach’s significance in one’s life, their guidance, and relentless training shape the future of any person, both on and off the field. So choose the coach and institution wisely…” Ganguly wrote on ‘X’.Ever since Gambhir guided KKR to their third IPL title, he has been tipped to take over from Dravid. It was under Gambhir’s captaincy that the Kolkata franchise won its two previous titles in 2012 and 2014. He returned to KKR as mentor ahead of the 2024 edition, after a similar role with Lucknow Super Giants, and the move played a crucial role in KKR’s triumphant run this season.Monday (May 28) was the last date to apply for the job of Team India’s chief coach and BCCI secretary Jay Shah meeting Gambhir after KKR’s title triumph made the speculations gain strength.A recent report in Cricbuzz has stated that Gambhir’s appointment is almost certain and negotiations are underway on multiple fronts. “A very high-profile owner of an IPL franchise, who is very close to the BCCI top brass, said that Gambhir’s appointment is a done deal and the announcement will come soon. A high profile commentator, who is very clued to the happenings in the BCCI said efforts are being made to rope in Gambhir. The fact that an announcement has not yet come suggests that negotiations are underway on multiple fronts — between the two parties and, perhaps, with some others too,” the report said.The BCCI secretary also refuted reports saying the board has approached Australian cricketers, namely Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer, for the role. “Neither I nor the BCCI have approached any former Australian cricketer with a coaching offer. The reports circulating in certain media sections are completely incorrect,” Shah said in a statement.

Amid Hunt For India’s Next Head Coach, Sourav Ganguly Posts Intriguing Message

Danijones5 months ago03 mins

File photo of Sourav Ganguly© X (formerly Twitter) The hunt for Indian cricket team’s next head coach is underway and many names have emerged as options for the highly coveted position. Current head coach Rahul Dravid’s tenure ends after the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 and media reports suggested that BCCI have already approached certain individuals for the job. The names that are being considered the favourties at the moment are Gautam Gambhir and Ashish Nehra with reportedly less interest from foreign coaches. Amid all the discussion over the position, former Indian cricket team captain Sourav Ganguly took to social media to post an intriguing message. The coach’s significance in one’s life, their guidance, and relentless training shape the future of any person, both on and off the field. So choose the coach and institution wisely… — Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) May 30, 2024 “The coach’s significance in one’s life, their guidance, and relentless training shape the future of any person, both on and off the field. So choose the coach and institution wisely…,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter). The deadline for applications was till May 27 but reports suggested that the BCCI are in no hurry to select Dravid’s successor. The Indian cricket team players are currently focused on the T20 World Cup 2024 and the report said that it is possible that National Cricket Academy (NCA) coaches can go with the team in some future tours if no decision is taken. “The deadline is fine, but the BCCI brass wouldn’t mind taking some more time before reaching a decision. Right now, the team will be busy with World T20 for the better part of the month of June. After that seniors will be rested from tours of Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe where any of the NCA-based senior coaches can accompany the team. So what’s the hurry,” a BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity. Topics mentioned in this article

Shah Rukh Khan “Won’t Be Successful…”: Gautam Gambhir’s Intriguing Revelation After KKR Heroics In IPL

Danijones5 months ago05 mins

Gautam Gambhir with Sunil Narine, Shah Rukh Khan and the IPL 2024 trophy.© Twitter Gautam Gambhir is now the cynosure of Kolkata Knight Riders after the IPL 2024 win. There is every reason for him to get all the adulation. He transformed a team that had been waiting for an IPL title for a decade into a champion side. Since joining KKR as a mentor. Gambhir had one mission. That mission – to take KKR to third IPL win – is successful. The joy of the entire KKR team knew no bounds after the IPL 2024 triumph on Sunday. Even KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan, who has been a constant presence in his team’s IPL 2024 matches, was happy. Shah Rukh even said in his dressing room speech that he now intends to se Gautam Gambhir on the dance floor, an offer which was declined by the latter. Gambhir, in a recent interview was asked, after his dance prospect after KKR win. His reply was intersting. “Aap galat aadmi se pooch rahe hai. Na mein dance kar sakta hu, na mein ga sakta hu. Lekin ha doosro ko dance karte hue dekh zaroos sakta hu and usko enjoy kar sakta hu. Wo maine zaroos kia. Shah Rukh bhai apne zindagi mein bahut successful rahe hai, aur bahut successful rahenge bhi. Lekin ek jagah jaha pe woh unsuccessful hai ki woh mujhe dance nahi kara paye. Mujhe lagta hai aage aane wale time mein bhi successful hone. Pas iss jagah pe woh successful nahi ho paenge kiuki main dance aur gaana ga hi nahi sakta (You are asking this to the wrong person. Neither can I dance, nor can I sing. Yes, I love to watch others dance and enjoy. Shah Rukh bhai has been very successful in his life and he will continue to be successful. But I think he won’t be successful in this aspect as I can’t dance or sing),” Gautam Gambhir said on Sportskeeda. Several reports have claimed that Gambhir is one of the front-runner for the post but in a recent interview, after he mentored KKR to IPL 2024 title, he indicated something unique. He was asked about KKR now being a ‘trophy-winning dressing room’. “Today you are saying this because we have won our third trophy. But if you ask me, we are still two trophies away from MI and CSK. Today I am content, but again that hunger (is there) that you are still not the most successful team in the IPL, for that to happen you need to win the IPL three more times, which will require a lot of hard work. So I think, the next mission is that, if we can make KKR the most successful team in the IPL. There won’t be any bigger feeling for me. But the journey abhi shuru hui hai (the journey has just started),” Gautam Gambhir said on Sportskeeda. The official deadline for application submission for the post of Indian cricket team coach selection is over. Monday was the last date to submit the google sheets to be the next India coach. Topics mentioned in this article

“Can I Bring My Girlfriend To IPL?”: Gautam Gambhir Reveals KKR Star’s First Words

Danijones5 months ago04 mins

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mentor Gautam Gambhir has showered big praise on star all-rounder Sunil Narine who helped the franchise win their Indian Premier League (IPL) title last week. Narine was named ‘Most Valuable Player’ of IPL 2024 as KKR defeated SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the final last Sunday. Under Gambhir’s mentorship, Narine regained his magical touch, scoring 488 runs and picking up 17 wickets. In a recent interaction, Gambhir opened up on his camaraderie with Narine, and recalled the latter’s early days in the KKR camp. Gambhir was the captain of KKR when they won the IPL in 2012 and 2014, respectively, with Narine playing a crucial role in both the triumphs. “Me and Narine are similar characters, and so are our emotions. I still remember that when Narine first came into the IPL in 2012, it was in Jaipur, and we were going for practice, and I told him to come join for lunch. He was so shy that he did not say a single word during lunch, and the first question that he eventually asked was, ‘Can I bring my girlfriend to the IPL?,” Gambhir told Sportskeeda in an interview. Gambhir suggested that Narine and him are similar persons, and also termed the all-rounder as a brother. “He was so quiet that first season, but now, we can talk about anything. He is like a brother to me. I don’t see him as a friend, I don’t see him as a teammate, I see him as a brother. If I need him or he needs me, I think we are just one call away, that is the sort of relationship that we have built. We do not get excited much, we do not show too many emotions, we are not flamboyant, we just do the job and come back,” he added. Gambhir insisted that Narine has always been KKR’s ‘MVP’. “What can I say about him? Even if he didn’t win the ‘most valuable player award’ he would have still been the MVP. You are looking at his stats but he was KKR’s MVP even before the season got underway. The world has seen his talent as an all-rounder and i’m sure that Narine still has plenty of to give to KKR and world cricket,” he further explained. Topics mentioned in this article

‘Still two trophies behind MI and CSK’: Gautam Gambhir aims higher after IPL 2024 win

Danijones5 months ago05 mins

KKR mentor Gautam Gambhir is determined to make his team the most successful franchise of the Indian Premier League as he aims to surpass MI and CSK’s tally of most title victories. Notably, Kolkata recently clinched their third IPL title after beating SRH in the final of IPL 2024. Following their win, the Shreyas Iyer-led side became the third most successful team in the competition after MI and CSK who have five titles each to their name. Following their win, Gambhir has set his aim higher to be the most successful side in the history of the tournament. Commenting on his team’s win, the former KKR captain said that the journey has just begun as he wants to add three more trophies to his team’s tally to make them the most successful franchise of the tournament. “You’re saying this because we’ve won it three times but if you ask me we’re still two trophies behind MI and CSK. Yes, I’m happy today but again the hunger inside that we’re still not the most successful franchise of the IPL. To get there, we need to win thrice and for that, we will have to work really hard. So I feel, if we’re able to make KKR the most successful franchise of the tournament then there won’t be anything better than that but for that, the journey has just begun” Gambhir told Sportskeeda. Further speaking ahead, the 42-year-old picked KKR’s first title triumph in 2012 as the most special one as it laid the foundation for their next two victories in 2014 and 2024 respectively. Gambhir picks IPL 2012 as ‘most special’ victory “2012, not just because I was the captain but because we won it for the first time I just told you that when you win it for the first time then you get to know the kind of cricket you need to play to win an IPL final. Until you win, you keep questioning whether you will be able to win it or not. Once you win it you feel that we’ve won it and will win it again. Hence 2012, because we won it first time,” he added. Notably, Gambhir led KKR to their first title triumph in 2012 beating defending champions CSK in the final. He further inspired his team to their second triumph in 2014 beating PBKS in a high-scoring final. It took KKR ten long years to add a third trophy to their cabinet as Gambhir returned to the franchise as a mentor after parting ways ahead of the 2018 season. KKR fans would hope that Gambhir continues his ‘Midas Touch’ for the team and continues to guide them to more IPL victories in the years to come. Published By: Rishabh Beniwal Published On: May 30, 2024

Virat Kohli’s childhood coach suggests MS Dhoni for India’s head coach role; Gautam Gambhir remains the front-runner | Cricket News

Danijones5 months ago04 mins

NEW DELHI: With the deadline to apply for the Indian men’s cricket team’s head coach role ending on May 27, speculation is rife about who will replace Rahul Dravid. BCCI secretary Jay Shah hinted that the new head coach is likely to be an Indian, with reports suggesting Gautam Gambhir as the top contender. However, Virat Kohli‘s childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, has floated the idea of MS Dhoni taking up the role.Speaking to India News, the Dronacharya awardee coach expressed his views on Dhoni being an ideal candidate. “First of all, it will be interesting to see which names apply for this post. I would like that whoever becomes the coach should be an Indian. If Mahendra Singh Dhoni announces retirement, he can prove to be a good option. He (Dhoni) has played a lot of cricket and has won big tournaments,” Sharma said.While Dhoni has not officially announced his retirement from the IPL, his future remains uncertain. The IPL 2024 was speculated to be his final season, but the Chennai Super Kings legend has kept everyone guessing. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanath even stated that he expects Dhoni to return for another season.Sharma emphasized Dhoni’s potential impact as a coach, citing his experience and respect within the team. “Dhoni will have more respect in the dressing room and he has played this format for a long time. Being able to plan for the team and manage it properly is most needed in the team because when Dhoni became the captain, there were big players in that team like Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, Harbhajan Singh, Anil Kumble, Gautam Gambhir, and Yuvraj Singh. Despite this, Dhoni handled the team brilliantly,” Sharma added.Dhoni previously worked with the Indian team as a mentor during the 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE, showcasing his potential as a guiding figure for the team. As Dravid’s contract ends this year after the T20 World Cup, the appointment of his successor is highly anticipated.Gambhir, who recently mentored Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL title, is seen as a strong candidate for the head coach position. His success with KKR and experience as a former India player make him a compelling choice.

My relation with Virat Kohli is not to give masala to the public: Gautam Gambhir | Cricket News

Danijones5 months ago02 mins

NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir shared a warm embrace during the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League. It was one of the heartwarming moments of the just concluded season. The long-standing alleged hostility between the two former teammates seemed to dissolve as they demonstrated mutual respect and camaraderie. Kohli, the face of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Gambhir, mentor the Kolkata Knight Riders, showed that their past differences were behind them. Gambhir’s return to KKR as a mentor proved to be a masterstroke, as he guided Shreyas Iyer‘s team to their third IPL title. KKR dominated the final, thrashing Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai. This victory ended KKR’s 10-year title drought. Addressing the perceived rift with Kohli, Gambhir told Sportskeeda, “The perception is far away from the reality. My relation with Virat Kohli is something this country doesn’t need to know. He has as much right as I do to express himself and help our respective teams win. Our relation is not to give masala to the public.” Gambhir also praised Kohli’s six-hitting prowess, acknowledging RCB batter’s batting excellence.Kohli had a stellar IPL 2024 season, topping the batting charts with 741 runs in 15 games and winning the prestigious Orange Cap. Earlier, Kohli also reflected on the moment with Gambhir during an event. “People are very disappointed with my behaviour. I hugged Naveen, and then the other day, Gauti bhai (Gautam Gambhir) came and hugged me. Your masala is over so you’re booing. We’re not kids anymore,” Kohli remarked.