Former Indian batter Robin Uthappa has showered praise on India’s new head coach Gautam Gambhir. Uthappa said Gambhir is an excellent tactician and an exceptional leader of people. Gambhir has been given the head coach baton after Rahul Dravid guided the team to T20 World Cup glory.

Meanwhile, Uthappa observed Gambhir from close quarters as he was also part of India’s T20 World Cup 2007 win, in which the latter scored a match-winning 75 against arch-rivals Pakistan.

Furthermore, Uthappa played a key role alongside Gautam Gambhir in leading Kolkata Knight Riders to glory in IPL 2014. Gambhir took over the mentor role for KKR in IPL 2024 and the team clinched their third title.

Ergo, Gambhir knows how to get the best out of his players. In Gambhir’s maiden assignment, India won the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka by 3-0 but they were stunned by the hosts by 2-0 in the ODI series.

Speaking to TOI, Robin Uthappa said, “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.

Uthappa added that Gambhir is someone who thrives under pressure.

“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.”

India will next take on Bangladesh for two Test matches and three T20Is