Gambhir Reveals Surprise Call That Made Him India Head Coach
India head coach Gautam Gambhir has described his appointment as a complete surprise. He revealed that the offer came through a phone call from Jay Shah during the Indian Premier League season. Gambhir took charge of the Indian team after Rahul Dravid stepped down following the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Before joining the national side, he was working as mentor of Kolkata Knight Riders. Speaking to ANI, Gambhir said the call came on the morning of an IPL match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians in Mumbai. “We were playing an IPL game in Mumbai. KKR vs MI and it was Jay Shah who called me. He actually called me early in the morning. He said that I have to give you an offer and you cannot say no to me.” Gambhir said the offer caught him off guard. “I said, what? He said, you have to be the head coach of Team India. At that time, honestly, I was not even ready. It was a massive surprise for me.” Despite the surprise, Gambhir said the role was a huge honour. “Being the head coach of the Indian team is an honour. It is a privilege because not many people get that opportunity to go back into the dressing room and wear that India jersey again and do something special for the country.” Gambhir had earlier worked as a mentor with Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders. However, he admitted that taking charge of the national team was a different challenge. His tenure has already seen mixed results. India suffered difficult defeats in Test series against New Zealand national cricket team and South Africa national cricket team. One of those losses ended India’s 12-year unbeaten run in Test series at home. Gambhir said the period was tough. He also revealed that Jay Shah supported him during that phase. “I have gone through a lot of low moments in my tenure as well. Whether it was losing to New Zealand at home or losing to South Africa at home, those moments were difficult.” He recalled a specific moment after a defeat in Mumbai. “I remember when we lost a game against New Zealand in Mumbai. I was going back to the airport and I got a call from him. He told me to stay strong. He said he was there with me during that time.” Despite the setbacks, Gambhir has also guided India to major success. Under his leadership, the team has already won two ICC titles in a short period, marking a remarkable start to his coaching career.
From World Cup Glory to 3rd AC; Shivam Dube’s Unusual Journey Home
Indian all-rounder Shivam Dube took an unusual route home after India’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup victory in 2026. Instead of flying, he travelled by train from Ahmedabad to Mumbai. All flights on that route were fully booked after the final. Dube tried to arrange tickets for himself and his family but could not find any seats. He then decided to take an early morning train. “There were no flights available, so I decided to take an early morning train from Ahmedabad to Mumbai. We could have gone by road, but the train was quicker,” Dube told The Indian Express. Dube travelled with his wife and a friend. They booked 3rd AC tickets for the journey. The decision worried his family and friends. “Everyone we spoke to family and friends was worried. They kept asking, ‘What if someone recognises you at the station or on the train?’” he said. To avoid attention, Dube tried to stay unnoticed. He wore a cap, a mask and a long-sleeved T-shirt. He also chose a 5:10 am train to avoid crowds at the station. “I told my wife I would wait in the car until five minutes before the train’s departure, then rush to board,” he explained. A police officer accompanied him during the trip in case he was recognised. But the journey passed without much trouble. “During the night, I got down from my berth to use the washroom, and no one recognised me. The trip was smooth, though I was worried about getting off at Borivali in broad daylight,” he said. Inside the coach, Dube took the top berth to stay out of sight. A small moment of tension came when the ticket checker arrived. “Shivam Dube? Woh kaun hai, cricketer?” the ticket checker asked while checking the list. Dube’s wife Anjum quickly replied, “No, no. Woh kahan se aayega?” The checker moved on to the next passenger. Authorities had initially expected Dube to arrive by flight. They were surprised to learn he had taken a train instead. However, police arranged an escort when he reached the station, ensuring a smooth exit.
