Zimbabwe Legend Provides Blunt Take On Gautam Gambhir, Says Franchise Cricket Is A Different Skill

India tour of Sri Lanka: Team India are currently stationed in Sri Lanka to play a six-match white ball series. The 'men in blue' will play 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is. The T20I series is already underway with India having an unassailable lead of 2-0. The series is also of great importance as it marks the start of Gautam Gambhir's tenure as the Team India Head Coach. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retiring from the shortest international format, India are currently in a transitional phase.

Andy Flower Lavishes Praise on Gautam Gambhir

Former India player Gautam Gambhir has proven his credentials as far as duties of being a coach or a mentor goes. Gambhir led Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to consecutive playoffs in 2022 and 2023. He then returned to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2024 and helped them lift the trophy, their third one across seventeen editions of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Former Zimbabwe player Andy Flower has now given his verdict on Gambhir, but he also feels that franchise cricket is a different ball game altogether.

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'He's certainly got some of the characteristics of a successful coach. He hasn't really coached, though, has he? He is not your conventional coach. He's a guy that has the conviction and courage of his own beliefs and principles that will allow other people to really want to follow him. The biggest difference between the two jobs [franchise and international cricket] is that in the international arena, you are developing a team, and you are developing individuals with a medium- to long-term outlook. Franchise cricket is more about short-term results', said Flower while speaking on ESPNcricinfo.

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The Job Is Cut Out For Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir has taken over from Rahul Dravid as the Head Coach of the Indian cricket team. Former coach Rahul Dravid's tenure ended after he guided the Indian team to their second World T20 title on June 29, 2024. India won the tournament undefeated and this is a huge record in itself. The next edition of the T20 World Cup will be played in 2026 with and Gautam Gambhir will gave the onus on himself to save India's crown of being the World T20 champions.