India head coach Gautam Gambhir has spoken about the emotional toll of life on the road as the team prepares for a crucial Group A clash against Namibia in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Thursday.

The fixture carries special meaning for Gambhir, who returns to his hometown of New Delhi, a venue deeply intertwined with his cricketing journey. It was here that he built his domestic legacy, captained the Delhi franchise in the IPL, and scored his highest Test score of 206.

Ahead of the match, Gambhir reflected on what “home” represents in a profession defined by relentless travel, pressure and scrutiny.

“Home is love, home is where your family is, and home is where you get peace,” Gambhir said in a video shared by the BCCI. “But this profession can be challenging. There are lonely nights, and times when things don’t go your way. That’s when your support staff become like family. You share a lot of emotions with them.”

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Since taking over as India’s head coach in 2024 following Rahul Dravid’s tenure, Gambhir has focused on building a close-knit support system. He has worked closely with assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate and bowling coach Morne Morkel both trusted associates from his IPL days, to create continuity and trust within the team environment.

“In this profession, sometimes you share more emotions with your support staff than with your family. They understand the ups and downs. They know how it feels when things don’t go your way,” he added.

Beyond preparation and strategy, Gambhir underlined the importance of maintaining a relaxed dressing-room atmosphere during a high-pressure tournament.

“There have to be moments when the guys can just be themselves. There has to be laughter in practice sessions and in the dressing room. Everyone has a funny side, and it’s important to bring that out. It keeps the environment light and helps players stay mentally fresh.”

India enter the Namibia fixture with an opportunity to reclaim the top spot in Group A, ahead of a much-anticipated clash against Pakistan. For Gambhir, striking the right balance between intensity and ease could prove just as critical as tactics and form as the campaign unfolds.