India's T20 World Cup 2024 champion all-rounder Axar Patel has expressed his excitement about working under the new head coach Gautam Gambhir. The former India opener was appointed as the new head coach by the BCCI earlier this week, replacing Rahul Dravid. Gambhir replaces Rahul Dravid, who served as the head coach of the Indian team from 2021 until the T20 World Cup last month. During Dravid's tenure, India achieved success across all formats, culminating in a monumental victory in the T20 World Cup, ending the team's 11-year wait for an ICC trophy. Under Dravid's guidance, India qualified for the semifinals of the T20 World Cup 2022. The team also reached the finals of both the World Test Championship and the ODI World Cup last year, in addition to winning the Asia Cup. Also, India secured significant Test victories against Australia and England at home.
Following Dravid's successful tenure, Gautam Gambhir faces a big challenge ahead. While the future remains uncertain, Axar Patel has expressed his enthusiasm about the new beginning. The star all-rounder mentioned that he has competed against Gambhir in the IPL and is now eager to work with him.
"I have played against him in the IPL and now he's coming in as coach so obviously excitement is there. His journey hasn't started but I'm looking forward to it. There are going to be a lot of changes in the set-up, his mindset will be different so excited to see our new goals, the change in atmosphere," Axar Patel told Times Now.
Axar Patel believes India's T20 team will undergo big changes following the retirements of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja, and he's excited to see how the new-look squad develops.
"Player roles could also be changed, especially in T20, with the retirement of Virat, Jadeja, and Rohit. A younger team will be put in place and we will see how he operates. New coach, new staff - very excited to see the changes and looking forward to the first meeting with him where there will be a lot of clarity," Axar Patel said.
The role of head coach for the Indian team marks Gambhir's first stint in such a capacity. Previously, he has only served as a mentor in the IPL, where he delivered impressive results. In 2022 and 2023, he guided the Lucknow Super Giants to playoff berths and led the Kolkata Knight Riders to victory this year. Gambhir's first project as India's head coach will be the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, set to commence from July 26. India and Sri Lanka will be playing three T20Is followed by as many ODIs.
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