Former KKR Player Stands Up for Gautam Gambhir, Calls Him the ‘Best Coach and Human’
Afghanistan’s wicketkeeper-batsman Rahmanullah Gurbaz has come to the defense of former Indian coach Gautam Gambhir, praising his coaching style amid criticism following India’s recent Test series defeats. Speaking during the ILT20’s fourth season in Dubai, Gurbaz emphasized Gambhir’s successful track record, including his contributions to India’s Champions Trophy and Asia Cup victories. Despite India’s struggles, Gurbaz believes that the support for Gambhir remains strong among fans and players alike.
Gurbaz’s Support for Gambhir
Gurbaz expressed his admiration for Gambhir, calling him the best coach he has ever worked with. He acknowledged the backlash Gambhir has faced after India’s 0-2 Test series loss to South Africa and a previous 0-3 defeat against New Zealand. India has now lost five of its last seven home Tests, a significant decline for a team that once dominated at home. “If 1.4 billion people are there in your country, you can say 2-3 million will be against him. The rest are with Gautam sir and with the India team,” Gurbaz stated, highlighting the divide in public opinion.
He further elaborated on Gambhir’s coaching philosophy, noting that he creates a positive environment for players. “He made the environment very easy for us, nothing stressful, nothing strict… and that’s why we won the tournament,” Gurbaz explained. He emphasized that while Gambhir is disciplined, he is not overly strict, allowing players to thrive under his guidance.
Gurbaz’s Perspective on Player Performance
The Afghan cricketer urged fans and critics to show empathy towards Indian players during tough times. He emphasized that every player works hard and tries their best, and losing is a natural part of sports. “As a cricketer, I will never blame players because everyone works hard and tries their best. They lost, so what? They are human,” Gurbaz remarked. He believes that support is crucial during challenging periods, as it can help players regain their confidence and performance levels.
Reflecting on his own experiences, Gurbaz shared his positive memories from his time with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and the Gujarat Titans. He has been released by KKR ahead of the upcoming auction and is open to joining any team. However, he expressed a particular fondness for the Delhi Capitals, citing his connection to the city as a reason for his preference.
Future Aspirations and Connections
Gurbaz described Delhi as a second home, stating, “When I am in Delhi, I feel like I am in Afghanistan.” He enjoys visiting Afghan restaurants in the city, which further strengthens his ties to the region. As he looks ahead to the IPL auction, Gurbaz remains optimistic about his future in cricket, eager to contribute to whichever team he joins next. His comments reflect a deep respect for Gambhir’s coaching methods and a commitment to supporting his fellow players during challenging times.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
