Former Zimbabwe cricket captain Andy Flower believes that India’s new head coach, Gautam Gambhir, is more of an “inspirational leader” than a coach. Flower stated that Gambhir has the skills and qualities to succeed in his new role. India’s new era started on a positive note with a 2-0 lead in the T20I series against Sri Lanka, showcasing Gambhir’s aggressive approach in the team’s gameplay.
Before taking on the role with the Indian team, Gambhir had no prior experience as a head coach. He had previously served as the team mentor for the IPL franchise Lucknow Super Giants and contributed to Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL victory in 2024. Flower highlighted Gambhir’s leadership qualities, stating that he is an individual with strong beliefs and principles that can inspire a team to follow him.
Flower pointed out the difference between coaching in franchise cricket and international cricket. He emphasized the importance of developing individuals in the long term while working with the national team, as opposed to focusing on short-term results with a franchise team. Gambhir’s role as the head coach of the Indian team involves developing a culture and unit across all three formats of the game, which requires different strategies and approaches.
Gambhir’s contract with the Indian team extends till 2027, indicating a long-term commitment to the role. Flower believes that Gambhir’s approach to coaching will involve different aspects across the three formats of the game, including working with different captains and senior players. However, the underlying principles of developing a team culture and unity will remain consistent across all formats under Gambhir’s leadership.
As Gambhir prepares to lead India in the third T20I against Sri Lanka, the focus remains on his ability to inspire and guide the team towards continued success. Flower’s endorsement of Gambhir’s leadership qualities and conviction in his coaching abilities set a positive tone for India’s future under their new head coach. With a strong start to the era under Gambhir’s leadership, Indian cricket fans are hopeful for continued success and growth under his guidance.
