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Xtra Time Web Desk: Ravi Shastri has expressed his enthusiasm for Gautam Gambhir's appointment as India’s head coach, describing it as a "refreshing" development. Shastri highlighted Gambhir's modern approach, fresh ideas, and extensive experience, noting that these attributes make him well-suited for the role.

"He's contemporary and has just concluded a stellar IPL season," Shastri commented on the ICC Review. "Gambhir is at an ideal age, bringing youthful energy and innovative perspectives. His familiarity with most of the players, especially in the white-ball formats, is a significant advantage. His no-nonsense attitude and his track record with teams like KKR further bolster his credentials."

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Gambhir steps into the role following India's triumphant T20 World Cup campaign and will immediately tackle the white-ball tour of Sri Lanka, commencing with three T20Is in Pallekele. His recent success as a mentor with KKR, where he played a pivotal role in rallying the squad, reviving Sunil Narine’s batting position, and boosting Harshit Rana’s confidence, underscores his capability to manage both emerging and seasoned players.

Shastri underscored that Gambhir’s primary challenge will be to grasp the nuances of player management, emphasizing the importance of understanding the players’ personalities, strengths, and temperaments. "Gambhir’s most crucial task is to quickly assess his players' human elements," Shastri said. "Recognizing their strengths and understanding their temperaments will be essential. Given his extensive exposure and recent involvement in cricket, this should be within his grasp."

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In Test cricket, Gambhir will oversee a series of significant assignments, including five home Tests against Bangladesh and New Zealand starting in September, followed by the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. For the white-ball formats, his eyes will be set on the Champions Trophy in 2025 and the T20 World Cup in 2026.

As India navigates the transition post the retirement of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja from T20Is, Shastri emphasized the necessity of finding the "right mix" for the team. "Although the retired trio will be missed, many of the World Cup-winning players will likely remain relevant," Shastri noted. "The real challenge will be integrating new talent, with a plethora of exciting prospects emerging. Managing this influx of talent will be Gambhir’s primary challenge, but it is a welcome dilemma to have."