India vs Bangladesh: Following his all-round heroics in the Chennai Test, off-spinner R Ashwin spoke about the contrasting coaching styles of the 'relaxed' Gautam Gambhir and the 'organised' Rahul Dravid. Gambhir enjoyed success in his first Test as head coach on Sunday.
India's off-spinner, R Ashwin, praised the newly-appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir, noting that his relaxed approach has created a lively atmosphere in the dressing room. Ashwin complimented the former India opener, stating that the team will grow to love him, and future players will also appreciate his leadership.
Ashwin’s comments came after collaborating with Gambhir for the first time during the Chennai Test against Bangladesh. Ashwin excelled in his hometown, scoring a century in the first innings and taking six wickets in the second, helping India secure a dominant 280-run victory.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin compared the dressing room environments under Gambhir and Dravid, highlighting the strengths of both coaches.
"I think he is very relaxed. I would call him a 'relaxed Rancho'. There’s no pressure at all. In the morning, we have a team huddle, and he’s so easygoing. He’ll just be like, ‘Are you coming? Please come.’ It’s like that," Ashwin said. With Rahul bhai, everything was about discipline. He wanted everything in order, even a bottle had to be in its proper place at the right time. He was very regimented and organised."
Ashwin also spoke highly of captain Rohit Sharma, calling him a strong leader who works well with everyone. "Rohit is very calm and composed as a leader, and we can see that when he’s leading the team."
Gambhir took over from Dravid, whose tenure ended after India's T20 World Cup triumph. Dravid chose not to reapply for the head coach position, and Gambhir was appointed by the BCCI in June. His first assignment saw mixed results, with India winning a T20I series in Sri Lanka but losing the ODI series.
The comprehensive victory in the Chennai Test, the first of India’s 10-match home season, will have boosted the confidence of Gambhir and his support staff.
Aside from Ashwin's standout performance, Ravindra Jadeja contributed with a crucial 86 in the first innings. Together, Ashwin and Jadeja put on a 199-run partnership, rescuing India from a precarious 144 for 6 to a commanding 376.
India’s bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah, dismissed Bangladesh for 149, while Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill both scored centuries in the second innings, ensuring a dominant performance.
India and Bangladesh will face off again in the second and final Test on Friday, September 27.