Dale Steyn Looking Forward to Gautam Gambhir Era In Indian Cricket

Dale Steyn, the former South African cricket star, expressed his enthusiasm regarding Gautam Gambhir's recent appointment as India's head coach. Following Rahul Dravid's tenure, which concluded after the T20 World Cup, Gambhir emerged as the final choice after extensive deliberations and interviews. Having faced Gambhir both in international matches and the IPL, Steyn spoke highly of the left-handed batsman, admitting himself to be a fan. He particularly admired Gambhir's aggressive approach on the field, emphasizing the need for more such spirited individuals in cricket who consistently give their all to achieve success.

Steyn also highlighted the contrast between Gambhir's on-field persona and his off-field demeanor. He described Gambhir as a street-smart cricketer, noting his ability to adapt and strategize effectively during matches. Off the field, however, Steyn characterized him as a true gentleman, highlighting Gambhir's personal qualities that complement his competitive spirit on the pitch.

In conclusion, Steyn's endorsement of Gambhir as India's new head coach underscores his belief in Gambhir's ability to bring a unique blend of aggression, strategic acumen, and personal integrity to the role. This perspective not only reflects Steyn's admiration for Gambhir's cricketing prowess but also signals optimism for India's cricketing future under his leadership.

“I’m a big fan of Gautam Gambhir. I love his aggression: he’s one of the few Indians that I played against that kinda came back at you. I like it. I think he’s going to take it into the dressing room. Not just India, but world cricket needs guys who are a little bit more aggressive and play the game a little bit harder,” Steyn told Star Sports.

“We all play in the leagues against each other and we become quite friendly. I like the way Gambhir is fierce on the field but a gentleman off the field. He’s street-wise and a very smart cricketer from that point of view, he’s going to be fantastic for the Indian team,” he added.

Jacques Kallis, the former all-rounder, joined in praising Gautam Gambhir, his former Kolkata Knight Riders teammate. Having shared the dressing room with Gambhir, Kallis expressed his delight at seeing his former captain transition into coaching. He conveyed confidence that Gambhir would bring significant value to the Indian team in his new role. At 48 years old, Kallis spoke warmly of Gambhir's coaching potential, citing their shared experiences at Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. He emphasized Gambhir's leadership qualities and cricketing acumen, suggesting these attributes would be assets to the Indian team under his guidance.

Kallis' endorsement underscores Gambhir's reputation not only as a formidable player but also as a potential leader in coaching. His optimism reflects a belief in Gambhir's ability to impart his knowledge and contribute positively to Indian cricket, continuing their association beyond their playing days.

“Great to see Gauti getting into the coaching side of things. He’s got a really good cricket brain on him. He’ll bring some fire. Loves playing the game aggressively. He’ll bring that added touch and the guys will learn a lot from him. He’s got a lot of add… he will add a lot of value to that Indian team,” said former South African cricketer Jacques Kallis.