Kamal Ghorui
Hailing him as “the man with the toughest job after the PM” following their meeting, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday praised India head coach Gautam Gambhir, who later thanked the noted author and parliamentarian for his warm words of appreciation for what many consider a thankless role.Tharoor shared his admiration for Gambhir 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 on Wednesday, acknowledging the intense scrutiny that comes with leading the Indian cricket team.
Responding to Tharoor’s 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 from their meeting on the social media platform, Tharoor described Gambhir as someone entrusted with one of the most demanding roles in the country and referred to him as 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.The senior parliamentarian also acknowledged the constant pressure faced by the former Indian opener, pointing out the relentless public scrutiny he is subjected to on a daily basis.“He is being second-guessed by millions daily but stays calm and walks on undaunted,” Tharoor said, praising Gambhir’s composed approach under pressure.Tharoor further lauded Gambhir’s leadership style, describing it as quietly determined and effective, and wished him success as India enters a crucial phase in its 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 is crucial for Team India’s preparation ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, which is scheduled to begin on February 7.India began the series with a 48-run victory on Wednesday.The second T20I between India and New Zealand will be played on Friday at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur.
