Gautam Gambhir (left) and Virat Kohli during IPL 2024 (PTI Photo)

Gautam Gambhir is set to embark on a new chapter of his professional career as he makes a return to the Indian cricket team in the capacity of its head coach. Having eked out a memorable career as a player that saw him play a prominent role in India’s two world cup triumphs, Gambhir will now aim to replicate the success as member of the team’s backroom staff.

Known for his aggressive on-field attitude and no-nonsense approach, the former India captain landed the top job based on his IPL CV that saw him mentor two franchises – Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders.

He was associated with LSG for two seasons during which they made it to the playoffs and made a successfull return to KKR this year as they became the champions for the third time.

Notably, Gambhir was the captain when KKR won their first two IPL seasons.

Sanjay Bharadwaj, Gambhir’s childhood coach, believes that the former India opener is righteous in his approach and cited a couple of examples to prove his ‘golden heart’ and ability to spot talent.

“He (Gambhir) has played with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the past. Long back, he had once given his ‘Man of the Match’ to Virat. That shows his golden heart. He told me long back that Rohit Sharma will become a great player one day. This was when Rohit was not among the runs and needed some encouragement. His observation about Rohit proved accurate,” Bharadwaj told news agency PTI.

“If Gautam ever feels that something is right for the team, he will be firm on that decision. Gautam plays to win. He knows what to do and focusses on having a set team combination. He doesn’t believe in favouritism; the only thing that is his favourite is cricket,” he added.

Bharadwaj says Gambhir just needs to stick to his approach in his role as the India head coach since it has brought him success in the past too.

“With his batting, he won two World Cups for India in 2007 and 2011. As a player, you helped India win two World Cups, then propelled KKR to three IPL titles. You have a habit of taking up challenges and conquering them; be honest in your approach and repay the country’s faith in you,” he said.