Why 'You Can't Laugh' In Indian Team Dugout? Gautam Gambhir Reveals After T20 World Cup Triumph
Gautam Gambhir has reacted to former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni's congratulatory post following India's T20 World Cup 2026 win, where 'Mahi' complimented 'GG', saying, "smile looks great on you."
Head coach Gautam Gambhir reacted to former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni's congratulatory post following India's T20 World Cup 2026 win, where 'Mahi' complimented 'GG', saying, "smile looks great on you." Gambhir's typically serious demeanour - especially during moments of team celebration - has long inspired playful banter and countless memes among cricket fans and fellow players. He has always preferred a stern expression, right from his days as a player to his stint as KKR mentor, and now as India's head coach.
He also said the pressure of representing India in major tournaments like the ICC Men's T20 World Cup makes it difficult for players and team staff to openly express emotions, even during tense moments in the dugout.
However, Gambhir lauded Dhoni for posting after India's win, saying it was good on him to do so.
"It's very difficult to be in a situation where people have not been. But good on him that he posted on that, honestly. But I feel that when you're in a dugout, there is so much at stake. There is always so much expectation from the Indian team that even if you want to laugh, you can't laugh. Especially when you play a tournament like the World Cup. Because in India, unfortunately, losing is not an option - but it can happen. Because if losing was not an option, then India would have won all the World Cups. But that doesn't happen," Gambhir told ANI in an interview.
After India's win, MS Dhoni, while hailing India's back-to-back T20 World Cup wins, also humorously complimented coach Gambhir, saying, "smile looks great on u, intensity with smile is a killer combo."
"History gets created at Ahmedabad, big congratulations to the team and support staff and to all the fans of the Indian Cricket Team worldwide. Such a pleasure to see all of u play. Coach Sahab smile looks great on u, intensity with smile is a killer combo, very well done. enjoy guys (BUMRAH ke baare mein kuch na likhoon tou hi acha hai. CHAMPION BOWLER)," MS Dhoni said in his Instagram post.
India beat New Zealand by 96 runs to successfully defend their T20 World Cup title. The victory made India the first team to win the T20 World Cup on home soil, the first to win consecutive titles after their 2024 win, and the first to lift the trophy three times (2007, 2024 and 2026).
India Cricket Team
Gautam Gambhir
MS Dhoni