Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir has expressed his keen interest in coaching the national team amid rumors of him being a top candidate for the prestigious role.
Recently, Gambhir led Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL championship, positioning him as a strong successor to Rahul Dravid, whose coaching contract concludes after the ongoing T20 World Cup.
Although the deadline for applying for the head coach position was May 27, it remains uncertain if Gambhir has submitted his application.
"I would love to coach the Indian team. There is no bigger honour than coaching your national team. You are representing 140 crore Indians and those across the globe as well," Gambhir, 42, said at an event in Abu Dhabi.
Earlier in the week, former India captain Sourav Ganguly endorsed Gambhir for the head coach role, calling him a "good candidate." Gambhir shared his thoughts while speaking to students at Medeor Hospital in Abu Dhabi.
When a student inquired about his potential role in coaching the Indian team to a World Cup victory, Gambhir replied, "I have avoided this question, although many have asked me. But I will answer you now.
"It is not me that will help India win the World Cup, it is 140 crore Indians who will help India win the World Cup. If everyone starts praying for us and we start playing and representing them, India will win the World Cup. The most important thing is to be fearless,” Gambhir emphasized.
During his personal visit to the UAE, Gambhir also stopped by the sports medicine department at Medeor Hospital.
While there, he engaged with young cricket enthusiasts from various academies in Abu Dhabi, sharing stories of his inspirational journey and recent successes.
A crucial member of the Indian teams that won the 2007 World T20 and the 2011 ODI World Cup, Gambhir received acclaim for his recent achievements with the KKR.
"A secure dressing room is a happy dressing room, and a happy dressing room ends up in a winning dressing room. The only thing I did in the KKR was following this mantra. With God’s grace it actually worked,” he said.
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