Gautam Gambhir’s maiden Test coaching stint with the Indian cricket team has commenced, following Rahul Dravid’s successful guidance to the 2024 T20 World Cup triumph. As the team embarks on a lengthy Test season, Gambhir faces the challenge of continuing the team’s success.
Ravichandran Ashwin, a pivotal figure in India’s Test aspirations, has shed light on the contrasting coaching styles of Gambhir and Dravid. “Gambhir is very relaxed,” Ashwin said. “He’s like, ‘Are you coming?’ Rahul Bhai, on the other hand, is more regimented. He wants everything in order.”
Ashwin also expressed his appreciation for the enthusiastic crowd support during the first Test against Bangladesh. He hailed the pitch as one of the best he has played on in India, urging curators to create similar surfaces for Tamil Nadu’s Ranji Trophy matches.
“The crowd was passionate,” Ashwin said. “The pitch was awesome. I hope Tamil Nadu plays Ranji Trophy on such pitches. It was an outstanding Test match wicket.”
Ashwin recalled a conversation with former curator Pacha, who predicted the pitch would favor fast bowlers initially before becoming conducive to spin. “But like he said, the first day, there was bounce,” Ashwin concluded.
As India prepares for upcoming Test series against New Zealand and Australia, Ashwin’s insights into the team’s coaching dynamics and the importance of pitch quality provide valuable context for the challenges ahead.
