Ravichandran Ashwin recently shared his thoughts on India’s new head coach, Gautam Gambhir, and drew an intriguing comparison with his predecessor, Rahul Dravid. Ashwin, known for his candid and insightful analysis, described Gambhir as a “relaxed Rancho” — referring to the easygoing and approachable demeanor of the coach, which has quickly earned him affection within the Indian cricket team. This stands in stark contrast to Dravid’s more regimented and disciplined approach during his tenure.
Gambhir took over the reins of the Indian team following the 2024 T20 World Cup, a period marked by India’s contrasting fortunes. Under his leadership, India enjoyed success in Test cricket, notably defeating Bangladesh by a comprehensive margin in the first Test. However, Gambhir’s tenure has not been without its challenges, including the loss to Sri Lanka in the ODI series, which marked the first time in 27 years that India had been beaten by the island nation in a bilateral series.
Ashwin noted that Gambhir’s laidback style has fostered a positive atmosphere in the dressing room. The team huddles, according to Ashwin, are informal and relaxed, with Gambhir’s approach making players feel at ease. His interactions are casual, emphasizing comfort over rigid discipline. This shift from Dravid’s meticulous and organized methodology is significant. Dravid, during his tenure, was known for his insistence on structure and precision — from ensuring players followed strict schedules to keeping everything, even minor things like water bottles, in perfect order.
While Dravid’s methods worked for many, Ashwin’s comments suggest that Gambhir’s more “people-oriented” leadership might have a different but equally valuable impact on the squad. According to Ashwin, this flexibility is a breath of fresh air and will help players feel less pressured, ultimately allowing them to express themselves better on the field. Ashwin believes that this new era under Gambhir will lead to great camaraderie within the team, as players are likely to respond positively to Gambhir’s affable and accessible leadership.
Ashwin’s praise for Gambhir comes after the coach led India to a resounding win over Bangladesh in the first Test match, where Ashwin played a key role with both the bat and ball. The coach’s ability to create a relaxed environment seems to have clicked well with senior players like Ashwin, who are expected to guide the younger generation as India embarks on a busy Test season. Gambhir’s ability to blend competitiveness with a calm, relaxed attitude may prove crucial in getting the best out of a team brimming with talent but occasionally under pressure.
Interestingly, Ashwin also praised Captain Rohit Sharma’s leadership style, calling him calm and composed, much like Gambhir. Rohit’s ability to maintain equilibrium and work seamlessly with different personalities within the team, including the more intense players, makes him an ideal leader under Gambhir’s relaxed system. This shared sense of balance between captain and coach bodes well for India as they aim for success in upcoming international fixtures.
As the Indian team prepares for the next Test match against Bangladesh, all eyes will be on Gambhir’s leadership style and how it continues to shape the team. The success of a laidback approach in a high-pressure environment like international cricket is not guaranteed, but Ashwin’s positive assessment is an encouraging sign. Gambhir has inherited a team that has gone through a transition and has experienced both the highs of victory and the challenges of defeat. His ability to instill confidence while keeping things light could be the key to sustained success.
In conclusion, Ashwin’s comments underline the importance of a coach who understands the emotional and psychological aspects of the game, not just the technical ones. Gambhir’s relaxed demeanor, when compared with Dravid’s disciplined style, offers a new dimension to India’s coaching philosophy. It remains to be seen whether this approach will yield long-term results, but the early signs are promising, especially with senior players like Ashwin giving it their seal of approval.