"Excellent tactician and an exceptional leader of people"- Robin Uthappa on India's new head coach Gautam Gambhir
Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has thrown his weight behind Gautam Gambhir's leadership abilities as the newly appointed head coach of the Indian men's team. Gambhir began his tenure in sensational fashion with a 3-0 win over Sri Lanka in the T20Is.
However, the Island Nation made a stunning comeback in the three-match ODI series, winning it 2-0. Despite the disappointing result for the Indian team, Uthappa has vouched for the kind of security that Gambhir would provide in the Indian dressing room. He believes the new coach will try to get the best out of the players.
Speaking to TimesofIndia.com, here's what Robin Uthappa had to say about Gautam Gambhir:
"He [Gambhir] will seek out major opportunities and strive to seize them. As a leader, I can vouch for his ability to create an environment that enables people to thrive. He is that kind of leader — more than just a great captain, he's also an excellent tactician and an exceptional leader of people."
"He fosters a culture within the group that encourages success. Gautam Gambhir is a leader who provides security to his players, and we have seen that in action," Uthappa added.
Robin Uthappa has shared the dressing room with Gautam Gambhir for the Indian team as well as the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. Both were part of the Indian team that won the T20 World Cup in 2007 and the KKR team that won the IPL title in 2014.
Gautam Gambhir is someone who thrives under pressure: Robin Uthappa
Gambhir might be a bit under pressure after the recent ODI series defeat against Sri Lanka. However, Uthappa believes the pressure would get the best out of the new Indian head coach, who replaced Rahul Dravid recently.
On this, Robin Uthappa said (via TimesofIndia.com):
"He's always been someone who thrives under pressure and has consistently sought out big stages to deliver. As far as I'm concerned, I see the same qualities in him as a leader within this group."
Gambhir's next assignment as coach would be the two-match Test series against Bangladesh, beginning on September 19.