WATCH: Gautam Gambhir extols Rohit Sharma ahead of Champions Trophy final

The Indian team management underwent some changes after Rahul Dravid did not renew his head coach contract, making way for Gautam Gambhir. Even though the latter received a lot of criticism after the team’s performances in the last two Test series the Champions Trophy has been a successful stint for the 2011 World Champion as a coach up until now.

Gambhir opened up on the relationship between him and Rohit, praising him for his performances. Gambhir also mentioned how important it is to be a good human being in order to be a good leader as well. The India head coach hoped that he gets to see the best of the 'Hitman' in the Champions Trophy final.

“Forget about Rohit as a captain, I’ve had a fabulous relationship with him. I think he’s just a great guy, and that is something that’s important. When you’re a good human being, you end up becoming a good leader. That’s the reason why I feel he’s achieved quite a lot with his IPL franchise and has won the T20 World Cup as well," Gambhir said in a video released by the ICC.

“But again, those are histories, that’s the past. Now we have a new challenge ahead. Hopefully, he can be at his best, not only from a batting point of view but as a leader as well," the India head coach added.

Here's the video -

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Speaking of Rohit Sharma’s captaincy record in ICC tournaments so far, he has led India in two T20 World Cups where he has won 11 out of the 13 games played. He also led the team in the 2023 ODI World Cup where he suffered one loss in the all-important final only. The Champions Trophy is his first one as a leader where he is undefeated right now.

India play New Zealand in the final on Sunday, March 9 in Dubai.