“Whatever Gambhir touches turns into gold” – Kamran Akmal backs KKR mentor to become India’s next head coach

“Whatever Gambhir touches turns into gold” – Kamran Akmal backs KKR mentor to become India’s next head coach

Amidst the ongoing excitement of the T20 World Cup, the Indian cricket fraternity is abuzz with speculation about the future leadership of the national team. As current head coach Rahul Dravid’s tenure draws to a close, former Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal has thrown his weight behind a surprising candidate – Gautam Gambhir, the mentor of the recently crowned IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

In a recent interview, Akmal lavished praise on Gambhir, stating that “whatever he touches turns into gold.” The former Indian batter, who led KKR to their first two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014, is now being touted as a frontrunner for the coveted role of India’s head coach. Akmal’s endorsement comes at a critical juncture, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to make a decision on Dravid’s successor in the coming weeks.

Gambhir’s Impressive Coaching Credentials

Gambhir’s transition from a successful playing career to an equally impressive coaching stint has not gone unnoticed. As the mentor of KKR, he guided the team to their triumph in the 2024 IPL, cementing his reputation as a strategic mastermind. Akmal, who has played alongside Gambhir for many years, believes that the former Indian opener is the “best option” for the national team’s top job.

“Gambhir was with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and they did really well under him. He became a mentor of KKR and they became champions. He is an amazing planner and has a brilliant cricketing mind.”

Akmal’s glowing assessment of Gambhir’s coaching abilities is further reinforced by the latter’s track record. Under his mentorship, KKR have consistently performed at a high level, showcasing his ability to extract the best from his players and implement effective game plans.

Gambhir’s Leadership Qualities

Beyond his tactical acumen, Gambhir is also widely recognized for his strong leadership qualities. As the captain of KKR, he led the team to their first two IPL titles, demonstrating his ability to inspire and motivate his teammates. Akmal believes that these leadership skills will be invaluable in the role of India’s head coach.

“He is the best option India have right now. After Dravid, no one can be the best and bigger than Gautam Gambhir. He was a big player and will become a great coach too.”

Gambhir’s experience as a successful captain, coupled with his deep understanding of the game, makes him an attractive candidate for the coveted position. His proven track record of delivering results, both as a player and a coach, could be the key to unlocking the full potential of the Indian national team.

Dravid’s Legacy and the Need for Homegrown Coaches

While Rahul Dravid’s tenure as India’s head coach has been widely praised, Akmal believes that the time is right for a homegrown coach to take the reins. Dravid’s impressive work in stabilizing the team and guiding them to notable achievements, such as the World Test Championship final and the ODI World Cup final, has set a high bar for his successor.

“Rahul Dravid has given a lot to Indian cricket. Not just with his batting, he has given a lot to Indian cricket as a coach as well. He is one of the greats. Just look at his graph. He is someone who believes in making the roots and foundation so strong. Team India are dominating at the moment but behind the scene credit goes to Rahul Dravid.”

However, Akmal believes that the time has come for India to entrust their national team to a homegrown coach, and Gambhir fits the bill perfectly. As a former Indian cricketer with a deep understanding of the country’s cricket ecosystem, Gambhir can provide the continuity and cultural familiarity that the team needs to thrive.

Gambhir’s Coaching Philosophy and Vision

Gambhir’s coaching philosophy is rooted in his own experiences as a successful player. He is known for his meticulous planning, attention to detail, and ability to identify and nurture young talent. These qualities have been on full display during his stint as the mentor of KKR, where he has guided the team to consistent success.

“He is an amazing planner and has a brilliant cricketing mind. I have played a lot of cricket with him. We have been together for a long time. We played, had food and had chats together. We are still good friends. We are still in touch.”

Akmal’s insights into Gambhir’s coaching approach suggest that the former Indian batter places a strong emphasis on building a cohesive team culture, fostering camaraderie among the players, and developing a clear strategic vision. These attributes could be invaluable in the high-pressure environment of the Indian national team.

Gambhir’s Potential Impact on the Indian Team

Should Gambhir be appointed as India’s next head coach, his impact on the team could be transformative. Akmal believes that the former KKR captain has the ability to take the team to new heights, building on the solid foundation laid by Rahul Dravid.

“Team India doesn’t need any foreign coaches. They have plenty of options and talent. After Dravid, no one can be the best and bigger than Gautam Gambhir.”

Gambhir’s deep understanding of the Indian cricket ecosystem, combined with his proven coaching abilities, could provide the spark the team needs to consistently perform at the highest level. His ability to inspire and motivate players, coupled with his strategic acumen, could be the key to unlocking the full potential of the Indian national team.

The Potential Coaching Team

Akmal has also suggested that Gambhir could be complemented by a strong coaching team, with the likes of Ashish Nehra or Zaheer Khan serving as the bowling coach. This blend of experienced and respected former cricketers could provide the perfect balance of technical expertise, tactical nous, and player management skills to guide the Indian team to new heights.

The Road Ahead

As the BCCI prepares to make a decision on the next head coach, the prospect of Gautam Gambhir taking over the reins of the Indian national team has generated significant excitement and debate within the cricketing community. With Kamran Akmal’s ringing endorsement and Gambhir’s impressive coaching credentials, the former Indian batter has emerged as a strong contender for the coveted role.

The decision will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the future of Indian cricket. Whether Gambhir’s “Midas touch” can translate to the national team’s success remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Indian cricket fans are eagerly awaiting the BCCI’s announcement and the potential dawn of a new era under Gautam Gambhir’s leadership.