In a surprising show of camaraderie across political lines, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor met Indian cricket team’s head coach Gautam Gambhir in Nagpur ahead of the five-match T20I series against New Zealand. The encounter at Jamtha’s New VCA Stadium set the stage for what Tharoor described as one of the nation’s most grueling roles.
Sharing a photo on social media platform X, Tharoor called Gambhir his old friend and praised his composure under fire. ‘In Nagpur, I enjoyed a great and candid chat with my old friend Gautam Gambhir, who holds the toughest job in India after the Prime Minister!’ Tharoor posted.
Tharoor highlighted the relentless scrutiny Gambhir faces as head coach of the Indian team. Every decision is dissected by millions of fans, experts, and media, yet Gambhir remains unflappable. ‘Millions judge him daily, but he stays calm and marches on fearlessly,’ Tharoor noted, applauding his quiet resolve.
The senior parliamentarian lauded Gambhir’s leadership style as serene, resolute, and highly effective. With India’s white-ball calendar kicking off earnestly, Tharoor extended best wishes for the upcoming challenges. This series against New Zealand is crucial preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup, where India enters as defending champions after their 2024 triumph.
A back-to-back win would etch the Men in Blue into history as the first team to claim consecutive T20 World Cup titles. Gambhir’s steady hand will be pivotal in navigating the pressure cooker of international cricket. Tharoor’s endorsement underscores the unique pressures of coaching a billion-plus nation’s cricket hopes, second only to leading the country itself.