Gautam Gambhir will replace Rahul Dravid as the head coach of the Indian cricket team in the coming days. The upcoming tour of Sri Lanka will be Gambhir’s first tour as India’s head coach, and it will be the beginning of a new era in Indian cricket.
Gambhir was actively playing cricket till 2018. He even played in Legends League after announcing retirement, with his last T20 appearance coming in December 2023. Since he quit international cricket in late 2010s, some of Gambhir’s teammates are still actively playing for India and will play under his coaching now. Here’s a list of five such names.
1. Virat Kohli played a lot of cricket with Gautam Gambhir
Star Indian batter Virat Kohli was a part of the 2011 World Cup winning squad with Gambhir. In fact, he and Gambhir stitched up a crucial third-wicket partnership for India in the 2011 WC Final, and Gambhir played his career’s last Test under Kohli’s captaincy in 2016. Now, Gambhir will work as the coach of India, with Kohli being the player.
2. Rohit Sharma also played many matches with Gautam Gambhir
India’s current ODI and Test captain Rohit Sharma was a member of the 2007 T20 World Cup winning team with Gautam. Rohit and Gautam played a huge role in India’s win over Pakistan in that mega event’s final. Now, Gambhir and Rohit will work as the coach and captain duo of India.
3. Ravindra Jadeja
All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja made his international debut at the senior level in the late 2000s. Jadeja has retired from T20Is, but he will continue to play an important role in the ODI and Test formats for India.
4. Mohammed Shami
Fast bowler Mohammed Shami was the hero of India’s 2023 World Cup campaign. He is injured right now, but Shami should be back soon, and the right-arm pacer will share the dressing room with Gambhir once again.
5. Ravichandran Ashwin
Veteran spin-bowling all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin is still among the best Test players in the world. Ashwin played quite a few matches with Gambhir as his teammate, and a new chapter will begin in Indian cricket with Ashwin as a player, and Gambhir as the coach now.
