Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan is all praise for Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir for successfully defending the T20 World Cup title. With the 2026 trophy, India now has a total of three T20 World Cup trophies.
Irfan Pathan shared a series of posts from his official ‘X’ account lauding the team’s historic win at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. While most of the conversation and discussion is dedicated to cricketers, Pathan dedicated a few posts to Gautam Gambhir, who has faced a lot of criticism and pressure.
Irfan Pathan expressed his support towards head coach Gautam Gambhir
Before the tournament, when the team was in the development stage, Gautam Gambhir faced criticism from fans and some critics as well. During his tenure, the former opening batsman conducted several experiments to shape the team as per the standards of modern-day T20 cricket.
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To make things stable, the coach and backroom staff had to try several formulas to establish a powerful team. Despite severe criticism from a section of Indian cricket fans, Gautam Gambhir remained focused on the thought process and the result is now out for all to see.
“Gautam Gambhir deserves huge credit. He faced a lot of criticism while planning this World Cup, but he stuck to his process and kept experimenting until he found the right combination. He was completely involved from the beginning, constantly supported the Indian captain in difficult moments and helped keep the team together”, Pathan said in his ‘X’ post.
In response, Gautam Gambhir wrote in the comments section, “Thank you for your kind words brother. Means a lot!”
last but not least, @GautamGambhir Deserves a lot of credit. He faced a lot of criticism while planning this World Cup, but he stuck to his process and kept experimenting until he found the right combination.
He was fully involved from the beginning, continuously supporting…
– Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) 9 March 2026
Experiments conducted with batsmen in different positions now proved correct
In a separate social media post, the former cricketer, who is now a cricket expert, said that the result is the result of a long process. Players at different positions in the batting order were part of the process. With a clear vision and a well-crafted process, Tilak Verma, Shivam Dubey and Ishan Kishan are now capable of scoring runs from any position in the batting order.
“Before the World Cup, he relied on a clear process, preparing players to bat in different positions and adapt to any situation. Despite criticism, he stuck to the plan and it finally paid off in this World Cup. Tilak batted from 3 to 6. Shivam was floating between 4-7 and Ishan was coming in from opener to No. 3 and was still performing, that flexibility made the difference. Batting first That’s not the issue for this team. It’s all mentality and preparation”, he explained his observation.
This Indian team is currently the best white ball team in the world. 🇮🇳
Ahead of the World Cup, he relied on a clear process, preparing players to bat at different positions and adapt to any conditions. Despite criticism, he stuck to the plan and it ultimately paid off…
– Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) 9 March 2026
Pathan also mentioned Rohit Sharma
Pathan also wrote on the social media platform that captain Suryakumar Yadav is carrying forward the legacy which was established by former captain Rohit Sharma, under whose leadership Team India won the T20 World Cup 2024.
Surya Kumar Yadav carried forward the legacy that Rohit Sharma had created@ImRo45 @surya_14kumar
– Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) 9 March 2026
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