'The most important thing is...': Gautam Gambhir simplifies how India can win the T20 World Cup

Former India batter Gautam Gambhir on Saturday expressed his keen interest in coaching the national team amid growing speculation that he could be the next head coach. Gambhir, who recently led the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their third IPL title, is viewed as a strong contender to replace Rahul Dravid as the new Team India head coach. 

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Rahul Dravid, who was appointed the head coach of the Indian men's cricket team in 2021, is set to depart after the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. Dravid's contract will expire in July and a new head coach will take over after that. There have been speculations that Gautam Gambhir is in talks with the BCCI to coach the Indian team. 

Though the deadline to apply for the head coach position was May 27, it remains unclear whether Gautam Gambhir has submitted his application. Speaking at an event in Abu Dhabi, the 42-year-old stated, “I would love to coach the Indian team. There is no bigger honor than coaching your national team. You are representing 140 crore Indians and those across the globe as well.”

Gautam Gambhir highlights how India can win the T20 World Cup 2024

When asked by a student about his potential role in coaching India to a World Cup victory, Gautam Gambhir emphasized the importance of collective effort and fearlessness. “It is 140 crore Indians who will help India win the World Cup. If everyone starts praying for us and we start playing and representing them, India will win the World Cup. The most important thing is to be fearless," he said.

Gautam Gambhir’s success with the Kolkata Knight Riders and his fearless approach could make him a valuable asset to the Indian team, which is expected to witness a massive overhaul after the tournament since there are many youngsters waiting on the sidelines.

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Gambhir, who was a key member of the Indian team that won the 2007 World T20 and the 2011 ODI World Cup, was praised for his recent success with the KKR.

“A secure dressing room is a happy dressing room, and a happy dressing room ends up in a winning dressing room. The only thing I did in the KKR was following this mantra. With God’s grace it actually worked,” he said.

(With PTI inputs)