The 2025 Champions Trophy represented Gautam Gambhir's final chance to demonstrate his capabilities, following reports that highlighted a challenging beginning to his tenure as head coach of the Indian team. A series defeat in Sri Lanka, a home whitewash against New Zealand in a Test series, and a loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia earlier in January raised concerns regarding Gambhir's future in the position. However, the Indian team responded emphatically on Sunday, securing a four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the final, thereby claiming the Champions Trophy for an unprecedented third time.

While he may not have celebrated as exuberantly as his successor, Rahul Dravid, did after India's T20 World Cup victory last June, Gambhir's rare smile was sufficient to attract attention. This moment was captured on camera during a live broadcast when Hardik Pandya acknowledged the former India opener in the midst of his interview.

In a conversation with Jatin Sapru on Star Sports, Hardik remarked, "There is a lot of self-belief within the group. See, there is a happy bunch of people, and everyone is smiling around." He gestured towards several Indian players who were taking a photograph with Gambhir.

An enthusiastic Sapru interjected, exclaiming, "Gautam Gambhir is smiling over the photo!" This comment left Gambhir feeling somewhat awkward, while Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav, who were waiting to take a picture with the head coach, found the situation amusing.

"He is a wonderful person and is always smiling," Hardik concluded.

Gambhir joins Dravid in elite company

With India's thrilling win in Dubai on Sunday, Gambhir became the fifth man in the world to win an ICC trophy both as a player and head coach. The 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup champion joined India legend Rahul Dravid, along with Australians Darren Lehmann and Geoff Marsh and South Africa's Gary Kirsten, in an elite group.

Dravid, who was the head coach during India's victorious 2024 T20 World Cup campaign, had previously won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2002, the year India had shared the title with Sri Lanka after an abandoned final.

The ICC tournament will be followed by a lengthy break for Gambhir, with the Indian players finding themselves amid the IPL 2025 season. His next assignment will be the tour of England in late June.

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