NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal recently expressed his admiration for current Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir, calling him “like a brother,” while also praising the legendary MS Dhoni for his exceptional mentality and career.
In an interview with CricBlog, Akmal opened up on his relationship with Dhoni and Gambhir.
Talking about Dhoni, Akmal said, “No doubt MS Dhoni is someone with a different mentality altogether, an absolute match-winner and he’s super calm.The way he played was fantastic, and had a fantastic career. We used to talk a lot about wicket-keeping, we used to talk a lot about batting and yeah, it was often good to talk to Dhoni.”
Shifting focus to his relationship with Gautam Gambhir, Akmal referred to the former Indian opener as a close friend, saying, “We share a good bond and are good friends. Even with Gautam Gambhir too. I mean me and Gautam are good friends too. I share a good relationship with him. He’s like my brother.”
Akmal’s comments underscore the connection they developed over the years despite the fierce cricketing rivalry between India and Pakistan.
He also congratulated Gambhir on his recent success as a coach. “In fact, I’d like to congratulate Gautam on winning his first Test as a coach. I’m so happy for him,” Akmal added.
Gambhir recently coached India to a Test series win over Bangladesh, marking a new chapter in his cricketing career.
Before the T20I series against Bangladesh, Gambhir visited the Maa Pitambara Temple in Datia on Friday, seeking blessings during the Shardiya Navratri festival.
The visit was symbolic of Gambhir’s spiritual beliefs as he continues his journey as a coach.
Following the Test series, India and Bangladesh will face off in a three-match T20I series, where both teams will look to build momentum.
