Rohit-Gambhir combo will be different but as effective as Rohit-Dravid: Robin Uthappa

Former Indian batter Robin Uthappa reckons Rohit-Gambhir combo will be different but as effective as Rohit-Dravid. Under the duo of Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid, India qualified for the semifinal of the T20 World Cup 2022, the final of the World Test Championship, and the final of the ODI World Cup 2023.

India also lifted the T20 World Cup 2024 title to breach their major ICC title hoodoo as they defeated South Africa by seven runs in the final. 

Meanwhile, Gautam Gambhir has taken over the coaching baton from Rahul Dravid and the former Indian opener will look to get the best out of the players. 

“He has been an incredible man manager. The narrative that is set about him as a player on social media is one that is quite ‘Gambhir’. But, I think, individually, he is a thorough gentleman. He will be absolutely approachable. He is someone who is always available, he is very empathetic and he is there for his players. He looks after his players really well and he is someone who provides security for the group. We have seen that, not just as a captain, but in his mentorship roles at LSG and KKR. We have seen the results he has produced with both teams,” Uthappa said during a virtual interaction organised by Sony Sports Network.

Uthappa had observed Gautam Gambhir from close quarters while playing for Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. Uthappa expects Gambhir to continue his aggressive style of leadership.

“I don’t think his leadership style will change very much. I just think that his passion and the intensity that he brings to this team will be different. He will expect high standards, and he will maintain a high standard himself as a leader. I think he will be a very fair leader and he is someone who provides security to his group. So, I think Rohit and Gautam will make a different combination than Rohit and Dravid, but I think it will be as effective,” Uthappa said.

Uthappa feels Gambhir will be determined to prove his mettle and get the best out of the players in the big matches.

“He has always been someone who has thrived under pressure. He is someone who looked at the big stages as places of opportunity. As far as I am concerned, I look at him similarly as a leader of this group. He will look for the big opportunity, he will try and get that same attitude and the same kind of performance from his players. He will create opportunities for people to thrive, and he will create an environment like that, I can vouch for it.

“He is not just a great captain, a great tactician but he is an incredible leader of men. He is an incredible leader of people. He creates infrastructures within the group that allow people to thrive. I believe in people operating from a place of security so that they can thrive rather than operating from a place of insecurity where they try to survive,” Uthappa said.

The upcoming Sri Lanka tour will be Gambhir’s first assignment as India’s head coach.