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Tharoor Calls Gambhir's Job "Hardest After PM" as India Faces NZ in T20Is

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor met with Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir in Nagpur, praising him as an old friend. Tharoor described Gambhir's role as having the "hardest job in India after the PM's," highlighting the daily public scrutiny he faces. He commended Gambhir's quiet determination and able leadership as India begins a crucial T20I series against New Zealand. This series is vital preparation for India's title defense in the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Key Points: Tharoor Meets Gambhir, Calls His Job Toughest After PM

  • Tharoor praises Gambhir's calm under pressure
  • Calls him an old friend after Nagpur meeting
  • Acknowledges relentless public scrutiny of coach's role
  • Series key prep for 2026 T20 World Cup
2 min read

'The man with the toughest job after PM,' says Tharoor after meeting Gambhir

Shashi Tharoor meets Gautam Gambhir, calling the India coach's role the "hardest job after PM's" ahead of crucial NZ T20I series.

'The man with the toughest job after PM,' says Tharoor after meeting Gambhir
"the man with the hardest job in India after the PM's! - Shashi Tharoor"

Nagpur, Jan 21

Congress MP and noted author Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday shared warm words of appreciation for Gautam Gambhir, head coach of the Indian men's cricket team, 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 Jamtha.

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 his 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 will start on February 7.

India will enter the tournament as defending champions. The team won the trophy in 2024, and if they win another title in 2026, the Men in Blue will become the first team to win back-to-back T20 World Cup titles.

New Zealand are coming into the match after winning their first ODI series in India, where they beat the hosts 2-1. Mitchell Santner's team will now hope to continue the momentum in the shortest format of the game.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
It's nice to see such a warm, cross-party interaction. Politics aside, cricket unites us all. Gambhir's calm demeanor is exactly what the team needs. Focus should be on the upcoming series and World Cup prep.
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Aman W
With all due respect to Tharoor sir, I think comparing it to the PM's job is a bit of a stretch. The PM handles the fate of the nation. This is cricket. Important, yes, but let's keep perspective.
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Sarah B
As someone new to following cricket in India, the intensity is unreal! The passion is amazing, but the scrutiny on players and coaches seems immense. Gambhir has a tough act to follow after the 2024 win.
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Vikram M
Gambhir was a fighter as a player. Hope he instills that same "never say die" attitude in the team. The NZ series is important to build momentum. Back-to-back World Cups would be legendary! 🏆
K
Kriti O
Good to see senior figures appreciating each other's work. The pressure is real—just look at social media after one loss. Hope the team gets the space to experiment and grow before the big tournament.

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