At BCCI recently announced Gambhir as the new head coach of Indian team after Rahul Dravid’s departure. Gambhir, who guided Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL title in 2024 as a mentor, took over after India’s T20 World Cup victory ended an 11-year ICC trophy drought in Dravid’s final stint.
Gambhir’s coaching tenure will begin with an away white-ball series against Sri Lanka, featuring three T20Is and three ODIs, starting on June 27.
In an interview with TimesofIndia.com, Lee, who played 76 Tests, 221 ODIs, and 25 T20Is for Australia between 1999 and 2012, discusses Gambhir’s new role, India’s World Cup triumph, Surya’s incredible catch, and more. Lee recently represented Australian Legends at the Legends World Championship. Quote:
Gautam Gambhir has been appointed as the new head coach of Team India. What are your thoughts on this decision?
He (Gautam Gambhir) is doing a good job whenever he gets a chance. The Indian Premier League title with KKR is the best example. He’s always there, always on top of his game. He found a way to bring the players together and bring the team together. He built a solid structure. He has been a very good player, and his aggressive and winning attitude will help India. He has shone internationally as a player. India are in safe hands with Gautam Gambhir as their coach. Congratulations Rahul for finishing on a high.
Rohit Sharma led India to World Cup victory. How do you see his leadership in this achievement?
Big, big congratulations to India. First of all, it was great to see him and the emotions on the faces of these cricketers. Virat and Rohit have moved on from the game. There are players from the Australian cricket team who also hang up their shoes. So, this is a swan song for some players from different countries around the world. One thing I will say is that India played a perfect style of cricket in the T20 World Cup. They seem like a strong side, to be honest. Massive congratulations to Rohit Sharma and team India. He led from the front in the tournament.
BCCI’s photo
What is your reaction Suryakumar Yadav‘s stunning catch in the final?
Well, if you win, it’s worth it, right? I mean, Surya plucked the ball from the sky. It’s brilliant, title-winning. It’s a really ordinary catch.
At 47, how do you keep fit?
Just moderate and eat well. I did a lot of training when I was in India for two and a half months. I trained every day. I follow a proper routine, focus on exercise and diet plan. That’s it. I like to do that. As a fast bowler, it is important to maintain fitness. I’m probably fitter now than when I played, to be honest.
Should India travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy?
Well, we’ll wait and see. I’m not going to get all political.
BCCI’s photo
Australia did not perform well in the T20 World Cup. What do you think is wrong?
We are now at a crossroads with the Australian cricket team. We have seen some great performances in the last 12-18 months and some outstanding performers in the last 10-15 years. Players who walk away from the Australian cricket team create holes and gaps but also opportunities. If I look at the top of the order, we have produced some brilliant players in the last 10-15 years.
Now it’s the next generation, like Jake Fraser-McGurk. These players will have some big shoes to fill. David Warner and Aaron Finch are exceptional players who have performed consistently over the years. It is time for the next generation of young cricketers to come and flourish. So, I think it’s positive for Australia. It’s not good that they don’t win the World Cup, but you have to look ahead and get that opportunity.
Did Australia make a mistake by voting Mitchell Marsh as a passing captain Pat Cummins?
It doesn’t matter what’s wrong; it’s about Australia improving and continuing to improve. You cannot win every game of cricket. They are trying their best and have a very good squad. He has played very good cricket in the past. Mitchell Marsh was given an opportunity, and he wanted to grab it with both hands. Pat Cummins has done a wonderful job. It’s hard to be a captain; it is not easy. The captain had a lot of pressure on him, so it was a huge task. This is a task that you should take on and cherish to the fullest while enjoying the opportunity. Man, I thought they would go with Pat Cummins, but they gave Mitchell Marsh a chance. I am not part of the sanctuary at this time, so it is difficult to comment on how or why this happened. But he had chosen the captain, so he resigned.
