Ashwin on Gambhir vs Dravid as India Head Coach: Gambhir is Far More Relaxed

It's been just over two months since Gautam Gambhir took over as India's head coach, succeeding Rahul Dravid. While Gambhir's tenure has only seen three T20Is, three ODIs against Sri Lanka, and a Test against Bangladesh, the early stages offer some insight into his coaching style. And who better to compare the two than Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin?

Ashwin, who was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance in the series opener against Bangladesh, offered a candid perspective on the contrasting approaches of Gambhir and Dravid in the dressing room. According to Ashwin, Gambhir brings a far more relaxed energy compared to the more meticulous Dravid. 

Dravid's Perfectionism vs Gambhir's Easy-Going Leadership

Giving an example, Ashwin explained how Dravid's attention to detail extended to even the smallest things, like where bottles were placed. "With Rahul bhai, everything had to be in order. He wanted things arranged in a particular way, even down to where a bottle should be placed and when," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

In contrast, Gambhir’s style is much more laid-back. "I like to call him 'relaxed rancho,'" Ashwin jokes, describing Gambhir’s approach during team meetings. "There's no pressure. Even in the morning team huddle, he'll casually ask, 'Are you coming? Please join.'"

Ashwin went on to say that Gambhir’s easy-going nature could make him popular with the players. "He doesn't expect everything to be perfectly organized. He’s more about creating a relaxed atmosphere and connecting with the team. I think the boys will love him," Ashwin concluded.

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