Monty Desai shares thoughts on Gautam Gambhir's new role as India's head coach

Monty Desai, the coach of the Nepal cricket team, shared his thoughts on Gautam Gambhir being appointed as the new head coach of the Indian cricket team. Desai also highlighted the differences between coaching an Associate team like Nepal and a cricket powerhouse like India.

Gambhir has taken over from Rahul Dravid, who led India to victory in the T20 World Cup 2024. Fans and experts are eager to see how Gambhir, known for his never-say-die attitude, will influence the team. However, some are skeptical since Gambhir has never been a head coach before.

Desai, who has coached teams like Canada and Nepal, was asked if he had any advice for Gambhir. Desai refrained from offering suggestions but emphasized that Gambhir's experience as a player and mentor in the IPL would be beneficial.

"I don't think I'm someone who can give suggestions. Probably [to] put things in perspective, he has played for India, let's not forget that part. I do believe that coaching is a completely different ball game. It requires different sets of skills... having followed him, the way he has conducted himself, as a mentor in franchise cricket, especially with KKR. It's a huge responsibility which he knows it. But the philosophy of running the dressing room, I think, remains the same. Because he also believes in [a] happy dressing room. Even at the same time, challenging them. Something which I'm learning in Nepal. Because I want to challenge them even more," Desai said.

Desai also pointed out the differences between coaching the Indian and Nepalese teams. He mentioned that Indian players often have strong self-belief and confidence, partly due to their exposure to the IPL, where they interact with top international players. In contrast, Nepalese players often lack self-esteem, and it takes time to build professionalism in their dressing room.

"But with Nepal, if I can give that as an example, I also come across lack of self-esteem. So, while we challenge them and try to bring in professionalism, it takes a while in our dressing room. But in Indian cricket, you are blessed. You have players who already come with strong confidence and self-belief. Many of them have played in IPL. In IPL, you rub off shoulders with all the greater names from different countries. I wish him all the best and the people who will join him in the dressing room," he concluded.