Former India captain Gautam Gambhir received warm praise from Congress MP and noted author Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday, who described him as “the man with the toughest job after the Prime Minister” following a meeting in Nagpur. The two met ahead of the first T20I between India and New Zealand at the New VCA Stadium, where Gambhir is overseeing his first full white-ball cycle as head coach.

Tharoor shared a photograph of the meeting on X and highlighted the immense scrutiny that comes with leading the Indian cricket team. Calling Gambhir an old friend, the senior parliamentarian underlined the relentless public judgment faced by the former opener daily.

“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! He is being second-guessed by millions daily but stays calm and walks on undaunted,” Tharoor wrote.

Responding to the post, Gambhir thanked Tharoor for his words of appreciation and reflected on the perceptions around a coach’s authority.
“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!” Gambhir posted.

Tharoor also praised Gambhir’s leadership style, describing it as quietly determined and effective, and wished him success as India enters a crucial phase of their white-ball preparations. “A word of appreciation for his quiet determination and able leadership. Wishing him all success, starting today,” he added.

India began the five-match T20I series against New Zealand with a convincing 48-run win, as the team builds towards the T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to begin on February 7.

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