India Cricketer Gautam Gambhir coaching style presents a striking contrast to his intense playing persona according to offs pinner Ravichandran Ashwin. Gambhir recently took over as head coach of the Indian cricket team from Rahul Dravid who stepped down after leading the team to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Under Gambhir leadership India began their white-ball tour of Sri Lanka with a successful T20I series but faced challenges in the subsequent ODI series. The ongoing Test series against Bangladesh marks Ashwin’s first experience with Gambhir as a coach and he describes him as a “relaxed rancho.
Ashwin shared his impressions on his YouTube channel saying, “He is very relaxed. There no pressure at all In the morning during team huddles he invites players in a laid-back manner. In contrast Ashwin characterized Dravid as highly organized and regimented noting that he preferred everything in order right down to the placement of water bottles. This difference in coaching approaches highlights the shift in dynamics as Gambhir brings a more relaxed atmosphere to the team compared to Dravid’s structured style.
Rahul Dravid “Very Regimented, Gautam Gambhir
Gautam Gambhir has celebrated his first success as head coach of the Indian cricket team. following the team victory in the ongoing Test series against Bangladesh. This achievement comes after Rahul Dravid led India to triumph in the 2024 T20 World Cup setting high expectations for Gambhir as he takes the reins. Following a limited-overs tour in Sri Lanka the Indian team is now entering a lengthy Test season with upcoming series against New Zealand and Australia on the horizon. Ravichandran Ashwin a key player will play a vital role in this challenging journey.
Ravichandran Ashwin recently shared his insights into the differences between Gambhir and Dravid as coaches. He characterized Gambhir as “very relaxed,” contrasting sharply with Dravid more structured approach. In the morning huddle Gambhir is easygoing casually asking Are you coming? Ashwin explained. On the other hand Rahul bhai was very regimented. Everything had to be in order even the bottles had specific placements. Ashwin emphasized that while Gambhir has a relaxed demeanor he also possesses an ability to connect with the players showing genuine care for their well-being.
Ashwin expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from fans during the first Test match against Bangladesh highlighting the passionate cricket culture in Chennai. He described the pitch as one of the best he has encountered in India urging curators to replicate such conditions for future matches specially during Tamil Nadu Ranji Trophy games.
The crowd was incredibly passionate about watching the match Ashwin remarked underscoring the vibrant atmosphere. He praised the pitch conditions noting Easily one of the best cricket pitches I have played on in India for a while. The way they have prepared it should set a standard for future matches. He expressed hope that Tamil Nadu would benefit from similar pitches in the Ranji Trophy.
Reflecting on past experiences Ashwin recalled a curator named Pacha who once described the ideal conditions for a Test match. He said, The wicket will support fast bowlers in the morning. Batting will be easy and then it will turn and the match will conclude. Ashwin noted that this was indeed the case with the pitch providing bounce on the first day contributing to an outstanding contest. Overall Gambhir appointment and Ashwin impressive performances are paving the way for an exciting Test season for the Indian cricket team as they aim to build on their recent successes and tackle formidable opponents ahead.
Rohit Sharma Has 2 Words For Gautam Gambhir And New India Support Staff
India captain Rohit Sharma addressed the media on Tuesday highlighting the differences in coaching style between new head coach Gautam Gambhir and his predecessor Rahul Dravid. Despite these differences Rohit emphasized that he shares a strong rapport with Gambhir and the new support staff as they prepare for their first Test series against Bangladesh which begins Thursday.
Gambhir a World Cup-winning former opener took charge of the Indian team in July during a limited-overs tour to Sri Lanka. In his first series as coach. India swept the T20I series 3-0 but faced a setback in the subsequent ODI series losing 0-2. Rohit acknowledged the transitions within the team was noting “Obviously, Rahul bhai and Vikram Rathour (former batting coach) and Paras Mhambrey (former bowling coach) formed a different team. It’s natural that the new support staff brings a fresh perspective.
Rohit described the initial interactions with Gambhir and the new team as positive stating. The matches we played in Sri Lanka showed that they were sensible and understanding. They began to adapt quickly to the team dynamics. This adaptability will be crucial as they enter a challenging Test season.
Dravid tenure as coach concluded after India T20 World Cup victory in the West Indies after which he transitioned to head the coaching staff for the IPL side Rajasthan Royals. The changes in the support staff included the appointment of Abhishek Nayar as assistant coach and South African Morne Morkel as bowling coach alongside former Dutch all-rounder Ryan ten Doeschate. who also joined as an assistant coach. Nayar selection was expected while Morkel and Doeschate were chosen over former pacers R Vinayakumar and L Balaji.
Rohit reflected on his long-standing relationship with Gambhir from their playing days as well as his familiarity with Nayar from their time in the Mumbai dressing room. t’s a new support staff for sure but I have known Gautam and Abhishek long enough to feel comfortable working with them,” he said. He acknowledged that each coach brings a unique operating style which is essential for the team adaptability.
Having worked with various coaches over his 17-year career Rohit understands the importance of embracing different perspectives on cricket. Every coach has a unique viewpoint and it’s crucial that we adjust to their styles,” he noted. Although Rohit has not directly worked with Morkel and Doeschate he has faced them as opponents during his playing career giving him enough context to establish a rapport.
Regarding the dynamics with the new support staff Rohit assured that there have been no issues so far. We have a great understanding of each other. Good communication is essential and I feel that with them,” he adde, reinforcing the importance of collaboration as they embark on this new chapter.
In his first media interaction after assuming the coaching role Gambhir also dismissed concerns about his relationship with senior players citing his familiarity with them from his playing days. This background combined with the new strategies he brings sets the stage for a promising partnership as India heads into an exciting phase of their cricketing journey With their upcoming matches against Bangladesh followed by tours to New Zealand and Australia the team is poised for significant challenges and Rohit leadership alongside Gambhir coaching will be pivotal to their success.
