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'Very Relaxed': R Ashwin Reveals Stark Difference Between Gambhir And Rahul Dravid

Gautam Gambhir (R) and Rahul Dravid (L) [Image courtesy: BCCI and PTI] Gautam Gambhir (R) and Rahul Dravid (L) [Image courtesy: BCCI and PTI]

Gautam Gambhir has taken over as the head coach of the Indian cricket team, succeeding Rahul Dravid. While Dravid led India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup in Barbados, Gambhir is now tasked with guiding the team forward. The two former cricketers have very different coaching styles, as highlighted by Ravichandran Ashwin.

Gautam Gambhir’s Easy-Going Approach

Gautam Gambhir, known for his fierce attitude on the field, has surprised many with his laid-back approach as the head coach. Ashwin, who has been playing under Gambhir’s coaching for the first time during the ongoing Test series against Bangladesh, described him as a “relaxed rancho.”

According to Ashwin, Gambhir’s relaxed demeanor is a refreshing change for the team. 

"I think he (Gambhir) is very relaxed. There is nothing at all. In the morning, in the huddle. 'Are you coming?' Like that. Rahul Bhai is like, we will come. As soon as we come, the bottles should be in a place. He is very regimented. He is like, everything should be in order, according to him. He has a relaxed order. I feel that he captures the minds of the people. He loves the boys. He is not only relaxed," Ashwin said on his youtube channel.

Dravid’s Disciplined Style

In contrast, Rahul Dravid is known for his disciplined and structured approach. Ashwin mentioned that Dravid was very particular about maintaining order and discipline in everything. 

“With Rahul bhai, as soon as we arrived, he wanted everything in order: even a bottle should be kept in a particular place at a particular time. He is very regimented and meticulous in his approach,” Ashwin said.

While Dravid’s structured style helped India achieve great success, including the T20 World Cup win, Gambhir’s more relaxed and people-friendly approach might be what the team needs right now.

Gautam Gambhir Leads India to Victory in First Test Against Bangladesh

Gambhir has had a good start, leading India to a comfortable T20I series win in Sri Lanka, although the team did lose the ODI series that followed. His first success as a Test coach came with a commanding victory against Bangladesh, where India secured a 280-run win with five sessions to spare. The second and final Test of the series will be played at the Green Park Stadium, starting on September 27.

After the Bangladesh series, Gambhir will face bigger challenges with upcoming series against New Zealand and Australia. It will be interesting to see how his relaxed yet effective coaching style helps the Rohit Sharma and co. navigate these tougher assignments.