Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir spoke about returning to his hometown, New Delhi, for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 group stage match against Namibia. The iconic Arun Jaitley Stadium will play host to the contest on Thursday, February 12.
Gautam Gambhir has a special connection with Delhi, having represented them over the course of his domestic career, featuring for the Delhi Daredevils (now renamed as Delhi Capitals) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), and also recording his highest Test score there.
The head coach had recently hosted the squad members and the coaching staff for dinner at his residence, as he looks to make the most of his time back on his turf, before leaving with the contingent for Sri Lanka. India’s next group stage clash against Pakistan is scheduled to be held in Colombo, on Sunday, February 15.
Gambhir spoke about the challenges that the constant travel and the result-oriented nature of the profession bring with them.
“Home is love, home is where your family is, and obviously, home is where you get peace as well. For me, home has always been really special. Obviously, it’s tough because you go through a lot of lonely nights as well, you go through a lot of nights where things don’t go your way. It is sometimes a very challenging profession as well, so when you have got your trusted support staff, they become as close as your family, because you can share a lot of emotions with them,” Gautam Gambhir said in a video released by the BCCI.
“In fact, when you are in this profession, you share a lot more emotion with them as compared to what you share with your family. They know the ups and downs of this profession, they know how it feels when things don’t go your way,” he added.
Gambhir had handpicked most of the support staff after taking over as head coach from Rahul Dravid in 2024. He has worked extensively with both the assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, and bowling coach, Morne Morkel, during his time in the IPL.
“There has to be funny moments somewhere” – Gautam Gambhir on the importance of a relaxed team atmosphere amid a high-pressure T20 World Cup 2026
Gautam Gambhir also elaborated on the need to incorporate light-hearted moments in the team environment, especially off the field, as they embark on a high-pressure challenge, which is to retain a World Cup on home soil.
“There have to be moments where the guys can be themselves, there has to be funny moments somewhere in the practice sessions or in the dressing room. Everyone has a funny side, so we make sure that we try to get the fun side out of everyone, and that is something that will keep the atmosphere light as well,” Gambhir said.
Team India have the opportunity to reclaim the top spot in Group A with a win over Namibia ahead of their crucial match against arch-rivals.
Edited by Gokul Nair
