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.