Before his appointment as India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir served as team mentor for Kolkata Knight Riders during their IPL 2024 championship campaign. Gary Kirsten, who took charge as Sri Lanka's head coach in April 2026, has offered strong backing for Gambhir ahead of their first Test meeting. Kirsten previously served as India's head coach from 2008 to 2011, a period that included the Men in Blue's 2011 ODI World Cup victory.
Ahead of the first Test between India and Sri Lanka, starting Saturday, August 15, Kirsten reflected on Gambhir's credentials and their shared history in Indian cricket. The Sri Lanka coach highlighted Gambhir's cricketing intelligence and his ability to translate that understanding into coaching success.
"He’s a fantastic coach. He’s had incredible success. He has won a T20 World Cup (2026) and the ICC Champions Trophy (2025). He’s also had success in the IPL (Gambhir was the team mentor for 2024 IPL champs Kolkata Knight Riders)." Kirsten said while speaking to Times of India
"His record speaks for itself. I really enjoyed working with him when he was a player. He’s a smart cricketer and I knew he’d have success as coach," he added.
Kirsten's assessment of Gambhir as a coach
Kirsten's assessment of Gambhir draws on their time together during India's playing days. The Sri Lanka coach's endorsement comes as India prepares to face Sri Lanka in Test cricket, with both teams working under coaches who have shaped Indian cricket's recent trajectory. Kirsten reflected on his own experience leading the Indian team and the environment he encountered in the dressing room.
"It was a great three years and a privileged one to work with Indian players," the former South African opener stated.
The upcoming two-match Test series between India and Sri Lanka have World Test Championship implications. Two-time finalists India have already fallen behind in this cycle and will want to revive their hopes of reaching next year's summit clash by defeating Sri Lanka in the two upcoming games. The hosts, on the other hand, are not out of the race as they find themselves at No. 6, one place below the tourists.