'I can vouch for Gautam Gambhir's ability to...': Robin Uthappa reacts after India’s painful series defeat vs Sri Lanka

ByHT Sports Desk | Written by Siddharth Thakur, New Delhi

Aug 12, 2024 05:40 PM IST

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Robin Uthappa gave his honest assessment after Gautam Gambhir-coached Team India failed to win a single match against Sri Lanka in the ODI series.

Former India batter Robin Uthappa has extended his support to head coach Gautam Gambhir following a painful series defeat to Sri Lanka. In Gambhir's first One Day International (ODI) assignment as head coach, Team India lost the three-match series to Sri Lanka. The 2-0 series win was Sri Lanka's first bilateral triumph over India in the 50-over format since 1997.

India's head coach Gautam Gambhir and Sri Lanka's interim coach Sanath Jayasuriya during a warm-up session(PTI)

In a series where skipper Rohit and ex-captain Virat Kohli staged their returns, India suffered three successive batting collapses to lose the three-match opera 2-0 in Sri Lanka. Before Kohli and Rohit joined the Indian setup, Gambhir's men hammered Sri Lanka 3-0 in the T20I series at the start of India's white-ball tour of the island nation. Reflecting on India's performances in the Sri Lanka tour, ex-cricketer Uthappa vouched for Gambhir's leadership ability.

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What Uthappa said about Gambhir

"He's always been someone who thrives under pressure and has consistently sought out big stages to deliver. As far as I'm concerned, I see the same qualities in him as a leader within this group," Uthappa told The Times of India. After the bitter-sweet tour of the island nation, India will meet Bangladesh in its next assignment. Rohit and Co. will meet Bangladesh for two Tests and three T20Is this season.

'He fosters a culture within the group that encourages success'

"He [Gambhir] will seek out major opportunities and strive to seize them. As a leader, I can vouch for his ability to create an environment that enables people to thrive. He is that kind of leader—more than just a great captain, he's also an excellent tactician and an exceptional leader of people. He fosters a culture within the group that encourages success. Gautam Gambhir is a leader who provides security to his players, and we have seen that in action," Uthappa added.

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