Former Zimbabwe cricket captain Andy Flower has described India's new head coach Gautam Gambhir as an "inspirational leader" rather than a traditional coach, and believes he possesses the necessary skills to excel in his new position. India has started this new chapter on a high note, dominating Sri Lanka in their home ground and securing an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series. Gambhir's aggressive approach was clearly visible in India's game strategy during both T20Is. In the second T20I, India's chase demonstrated the team's dynamic nature under the new leadership.
Prior to his appointment with India, Gambhir had no formal experience as a head coach. He served as the team mentor for the Indian Premier League franchise Lucknow Super Giants for two years and later returned to his beloved team, Kolkata Knight Riders, for a year. Under his guidance, KKR won their third IPL title, their first since 2014. Flower commented to ESPNcricinfo, "He's definitely got some traits of a successful coach. He hasn't coached in the conventional sense, though. It might be more accurate to call him an inspirational leader than a coach."
Flower also highlighted Gambhir's strong convictions and principles, which make him a leader others are eager to follow. "He has firm opinions, knows his goals, and is ready to make tough decisions. He has a clear vision of the cricket he wants his teams to play," Flower noted. Gambhir has spent a total of three seasons with both KKR and LSG. In his new role, he is contracted until 2027.
Flower pointed out the significant difference between Gambhir's previous and current roles, emphasizing the need for individual development in international cricket with a medium- to long-term perspective, unlike the short-term focus in franchise cricket. "In international cricket, there's more time for individual development and building a deeper culture within the group," Flower explained. Gambhir will be overseeing three formats of the game, each possibly involving different captains and senior players, but maintaining similar cultural and team development principles across all formats.
Gambhir will be on the sidelines for the third T20I against Sri Lanka on Tuesday.
