BCCI finally announcing the appointment of the Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir as the successor of Rahul Dravid for the position of the Indian head coach became the biggest talk of the town. The veteran will be starting his tenure with the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka for three T20Is and as many as ODIs. Ahead of his first assignment, his former Pakistan rival Shahid Afridi praised him and said he is very straightforward and talks positively.
Shahid Afridi on Gautam Gambhir
Both of these legendary cricketers have their fair share of heated interactions but both have them have put it under the bridge now. When Afridi was asked about Gambhir's new role, he called it a big opportunity. He also praised him for his straightforward and optimistic approach.
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"I think it’s a big opportunity, and we need to see how he makes the most of it. I have seen his interviews, and he talks positively and is very straightforward," Afridi was quoted as saying by the Indian Express.
Dale Steyn on Gambhir becoming India coach
Legendary South African pacer Dale Steyn praised Gautam Gambhir and said he will play a big role in the side and that the aggression which Gambhir will bring in that dressing room will get crucial. He admitted to be a big fan of the former Indian opener.
"I’m a big fan of Gautam Gambhir. I love his aggression. He’s one of the few Indians I ever played against who came back at you, and I like that. I think he’s going to take that into the dressing room with guys like Virat and some of the other senior players who might not play as bigger part anymore. I’m not too sure," Steyn told Star Sports.
"Not just in India, but in world cricket, we need guys who are a little bit more aggressive and play the game a little bit harder. We all seem to play in the leagues against each other, and we become quite friendly and friends. I like the way that he’s fierce on the field but a gentleman off the field. He’s also streetwise, a very smart cricketer, and has a great cricket brain. So I think from that point of view, he’s going to be fantastic for them too," he added.
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