Former South Africa paceman Dale Steyn said he loves Gautam Gambhir’s aggression and feels the world cricket needs guys who “play the game a little bit harder”.
Gambhir was recently appointed as India’s new head coach following Rahul Dravid’s departure after the Men in Blue won the 2024 T20 World Cup.
“I’m a big fan of Gautam Gambhir. I love his aggression: he’s one of the few Indians that I played against that kinda came back at you. I like it. I think he’s going to take it into the dressing room,” Steyn told Star Sports.
“Not just India, but world cricket needs guys who are a little bit more aggressive and play the game a little bit harder. We all play in the leagues against each other and we become quite friendly.
“I like the way Gambhir is fierce on the field but a gentleman off the field. He’s street-wise and a very smart cricketer. From that point of view, he’s going to be fantastic for the Indian team.”
Former South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis also heaped heavy praise on Gambhir. “Great to see Gauti getting into the coaching side of things. He’s got a really good cricket brain on him.
“He’ll bring some fire. Loves playing the game aggressively. He’ll bring that added touch and the guys will learn a lot from him. He’s got a lot of add… he will add a lot of value to that Indian team.”
Gambhir and his support staff will take charge of the side from the Sri Lanka tour, consisting of three T20 Internationals and as many One-Day Internationals, starting July 27.
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