Gautam Gambhir is still new to the role of India’s head coach. His first assignment in Sri Lanka was a mixed one: India won the T20I series against the home team convincingly, but surprisingly lost the ODI series.
But the real test begins now as India gear up for a mega Test season in which they will play 10 matches in four months against three different opponents. Gambhir will want to start this Test season on a positive note against Bangladesh.
Former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja backed Gautam Gambhir for this position and also hoped that he would not change his aggressive nature. Jadeja also advised Gambhir not to listen to advice or suggestions and do what he is known to do.
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There will never be a dull moment with Gautam Gambhir – Ajay Jadeja
While speaking to reporters in Kolkata, Ajay Jadeja felt that there will not be any dull moment with Gambhir at the helm as he will always look to do something. Jadeja added that Gambhir will make some unexpected decisions such as appointing Suryakumar Yadav as India’s captain in the T20I ahead of Hardik Pandya.
“It is very clear that his (Gautam Gambhir) strategy is aggressive. One thing is for sure, there will never be a dull moment with him, he will always try something. He will do whatever he feels like doing,” Jadeja said.
“He (Gambhir) will not be someone who will sit back and let things happen. He will be there, he will try things like we saw when Suryakumar Yadav suddenly became captain. I am looking forward to the excitement that we will see this year,” he added.
Ajay Jadeja doesn’t want Gautam Gambhir to take suggestions as head coach
Some of Gautam Gambhir’s decisions in his first assignment in Sri Lanka came under scrutiny, especially after India’s defeat in the ODI series. As a result, experts and former players also offered him some suggestions.
But Ajay Jadeja expects Gambhir not to take any suggestions and continue working as he has been doing. He does not want Gambhir to change his aggressive approach and stick to his strengths.
“I hope he doesn’t take any suggestions. The reason he is there is because of what he did and how he sees it. I hope he doesn’t take anyone’s advice and changes his approach because what has made you who you are is something you have to believe in and hold on to. There is always room for improvement,” Jadeja said.
India’s coaching staff under Gautam Gambhir
India will play two Test matches against Bangladesh and three against New Zealand at home. They will then travel to Australia for the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where they will play a five-match Test series against the home team.
While Gautam Gambhir has been appointed as India’s head coach, Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate have joined the coaching staff as assistant coaches. T Dilip remains India’s fielding coach and the only unchanged member since Rahul Dravid’s tenure. Meanwhile, Morne Morkel is the latest addition to the setup as bowling coach.
