Shahid Afridi reacts to Gautam Gambhir’s appointment as new India head coach

Former Pakistan captain and star all-rounder Shahid Afridi commented on Gautam Gambhir’s appointment as the head coach of the India Men’s Cricket Team.

Former opening batter Gambhir, on Tuesday, was confirmed as the new India head coach, preceding Rahul Dravid, who stepped down after overseeing the team’s perfect T20 World Cup 2024 campaign.

The announcement was made by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Honorary Secretary Jay Shah on X, formerly Twitter.

“It is with immense pleasure that I welcome Mr [Gautam Gambhir] as the new Head Coach of the Indian Cricket Team,” wrote Shah.

Meanwhile, Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi, who shared a bittersweet relationship with Gautam Gambhir, termed it a big opportunity for the former India opener while lauding him as a straightforward person.

“It’s a new opportunity and a big one. It depends on how he avails such an opportunity. Sometimes, I listen to his interviews. He talks positively and is straightforward,” Afridi said.

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Legendary South Africa pacer Dale Steyn also commented on Gambhir’s appointment as India’s head coach, stating that he loves his aggression and hoped that he would bring that into the team’s dressing room.

“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,” Steyn said.

“Not just India, but world cricket needs guys who are a little bit more aggressive and play the game a little bit harder. 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.”

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