Gautam Gambhir recently celebrated his first success as the coach of the Indian Test cricket team. Following Rahul Dravid’s leadership that saw India win the 2024 T20 World Cup, Gambhir now shoulders the responsibility of continuing the team’s success.
After the limited-overs series against Sri Lanka, India has begun a lengthy Test season. Following the ongoing Test series against Bangladesh, India will face New Zealand and Australia. Ravichandran Ashwin will play a pivotal role during this period. Before embarking on this Test season, Ashwin shared insights into the differences between Gambhir and Dravid’s coaching styles. He noted that Gambhir adopts a more laid-back approach.
“He’s very relaxed, even in the morning huddle, he’ll casually ask, ‘Are you coming?’” Ashwin explained on his YouTube channel. In contrast, Dravid is more structured and organized, ensuring everything is in order before a session begins. However, despite Gambhir’s relaxed attitude, Ashwin emphasized that he has a special ability to connect with the team and loves working with the players.
Strong Fan Support and Pitch Conditions Enhance India’s Test Campaign
Ravichandran Ashwin also praised the fans for their overwhelming support during the first India vs. Bangladesh Test. He highlighted how the atmosphere, combined with the excellent pitch conditions, made the match memorable. According to Ashwin, the pitch in Chennai was among the best he had played on in India in recent years. He urged curators to replicate such quality for Tamil Nadu’s Ranji Trophy games, believing it would elevate the standard of domestic cricket.
He recounted an earlier conversation with a curator named Pacha, who predicted the pitch’s behaviour—offering early assistance to fast bowlers, followed by favourable batting conditions and later spin. True to the curator’s words, the first day saw a good bounce, setting the tone for an exciting match.
Gautam Gambhir’s tenure as the Indian Test cricket coach has started on a positive note, with players like Ravichandran Ashwin expressing admiration for his relaxed yet effective approach. Ashwin’s comparison of Gambhir’s style with Rahul Dravid’s more regimented methods highlights how both coaches bring unique strengths to the team.
Gambhir’s ability to connect with players, coupled with India’s strong fan support and excellent pitch conditions, sets the stage for a promising Test season ahead. With the upcoming series against New Zealand and Australia, and Ashwin’s pivotal role, the Indian team looks well-positioned for continued success.
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