He is going to add a lot of value to the Indian team – Jacques Kallis on Gautam Gambhir’s appointment as head coach

Former South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis reckons Gautam Gambhir is is going to add a lot of value to the Indian team as the new head coach. Gambhir will take over the coaching baton from Rahul Dravid, who recently guided India to T20 World Cup glory.

Though Gambhir doesn’t have any coaching experience at the International level, he has mentored IPL teams like Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders. Gambhir, who led KKR to two titles as a captain, also took the franchise to IPL 2024 victory as a mentor.

The former Indian opener is known for his aggressive approach and there is no doubt that he is going to take the bull by its horns. 

“It’s great to see Gauti getting to the coaching side of things. He has got a really good cricket brain on him. He will bring some fire, he loves playing the game aggressively. I think he will bring attention. The guys will certainly learn a lot from him,” Kallis said on Star Sports.

“He is going to add a lot of value to that Indian side,” he added.

On the other hand, former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi, who was involved with Gautam Gambhir in a heated argument during his playing days, said the newly appointed coach is straightforward and it will be interesting to note how he will grab his opportunities.

“It’s a new opportunity, it’s good. Let’s see how he makes the most of the opportunity. I have seen a lot of his interviews. He speaks good, positive things. He is very straightforward,” Shahid Afridi told Star Sports on the sidelines of the World Championship of Legends T20 tournament in the UK.

The upcoming Sri Lanka tour, where India will play three T20Is and as many ODIs, will be Gambhir’s first assignment as the team’s chief coach.