Gambhir Thanks Tharoor for Praise, Calls Coach's Role "Amusing" Scrutiny

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor met with India head coach Gautam Gambhir in Nagpur, praising him for handling one of the toughest jobs in the country. Tharoor highlighted the immense daily scrutiny Gambhir faces while leading the Indian cricket team. In response, Gambhir thanked Tharoor and humorously noted the ongoing debate about a coach's authority. The meeting occurred as India began a five-match T20I series against New Zealand, crucial for World Cup preparation.

Key Points: Gambhir Responds to Tharoor's "Toughest Job After PM" Remark

  • Tharoor hails Gambhir's tough role
  • Gambhir amused by coach authority narrative
  • Meeting ahead of NZ T20I series
  • Focus on T20 World Cup 2026 prep
2 min read

Gambhir, 'the man with the toughest job after PM', thanks Shashi Tharoor for warm words of appreciation (Ld)

Gautam Gambhir thanks Shashi Tharoor for calling him the man with the toughest job after the PM. Read the exchange about coaching pressure.

"He is being second-guessed by millions daily but stays calm and walks on undaunted. - Shashi Tharoor"

Nagpur, Jan 22

Hailed by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday as 'The man with the toughest job after PM' after a meeting, India head coach Gautam Gambhir has thanked the noted author for his warm words of appreciation for his role as the team boss, considered by many as a thankless job.

Tharoor shared warm words of appreciation for Gambhir for the intense scrutiny he faces, after meeting the former India batter in Nagpur ahead of the first T20I of the five-match series against New Zealand at the New VCA Stadium in Nagpur on Wednesday.

In his response to the post on X, Gambhir wrote, "Thanks a lot, Dr. @ShashiTharoor! When the dust settles, truth & logic about a coach's supposedly "unlimited authority" will become clear. Till then, I'm amused at being pitted against my own who are the very best!"

Sharing a photograph of their meeting on the social media platform X, Tharoor described Gambhir as a man entrusted with one of the toughest roles in the country, highlighting the immense scrutiny that comes with leading the Indian cricket team. He also called Gambhir an old friend.

"In Nagpur, I enjoyed a good and frank discussion with my old friend Gautam Gambhir, the man with the hardest job in India after the PM's!" Tharoor wrote in his post.

The senior parliamentarian acknowledged the constant pressure faced by the former Indian opener, noting that Gambhir is subjected to relentless public judgment daily.

"He is being second-guessed by millions daily but stays calm and walks on undaunted," Tharoor said, praising Gambhir's calm attitude in handling the pressure.

Tharoor also lauded Gambhir's leadership style, describing it as quietly determined and effective, and wished him success as India begins a crucial phase in their white-ball calendar. "A word of appreciation for his quiet determination and able leadership. Wishing him all success, starting today," he added.

The five-match T20I series against New Zealand will be crucial for Team India's preparation ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, which is scheduled to start on February 7. India started the series with a 48-run victory on Wednesday.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
Tharoor is right about the scrutiny. We fans are so passionate, we forget these are human beings, not machines. Gambhir's reply is classy too - hinting that a coach's power isn't absolute, it's a collaborative effort with the players.
A
Aman W
Respectfully, I think comparing any sports job to the PM's is a bit much. The PM handles the nation's security and economy. The cricket coach handles... cricket. Both are tough, but let's keep some perspective, no?
P
Priyanka N
Gambhir's fighting spirit as a player is what we need now! His "amused" comment shows he knows the game. The real test is managing star egos and building a team, not just tactics. Hope he gets the support he needs from the board.
D
David E
Interesting dynamic. In India, cricket and politics are deeply intertwined. This public show of support from a senior MP, regardless of party, probably means more behind the scenes than we realize. Good start to the NZ series!
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Karthik V
The pressure is real. One bad series and #GambhirOut will trend. We need to back our coaches for a proper cycle. Constant chopping and changing hasn't helped. Let the man work! Jai Hind.

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