Experienced spinner Ravichandran Ashwin complimented Gautam Gambhir, who is the top choice to take over as India’s head coach after Rahul Dravid. Ashwin called Gambhir a “fighter” and praised his strong desire to win. At the release of his book, I Have the Streets – A Kutti Cricket Story, Ashwin talked about his early conversations with Gambhir when he played his first complete Test series for India against New Zealand in 2012. “It was my first full series. I mostly just brought drinks for the team during the first two years before the 2011 World Cup. Gautam really boosted my confidence when I started my career. I wasn’t used to getting that kind of support from someone outside my home state (Tamil Nadu),” Ashwin explained.
Gautam Gambhir is leading the race to take over as the head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team when Rahul Dravid’s term ends in June. Gambhir recently had an interview with the BCCI Cricket Advisory Committee for this important job. Other people who were interviewed for the role include WV Raman and a foreign candidate.
The 37-year-old spinner, who is a well-known player, said that Gambhir, who used to open for India, is often not understood because he is very honest. “People often misunderstand Gautam Gambhir. It’s just how you see him.
He is a fighter. The problem with many people is that they make someone a hero in their minds and ignore everyone else. Cricket is a sport, not a movie story. There are no heroes or villains. Gambhir is a strong competitor. He really wants to win and his drive to succeed is amazing. I have a lot of respect for him,” Ashwin explained.
Gambhir is expected to get the head coach job instead of WV Raman, and the BCCI will likely announce their choice soon. Gambhir might start the job in mid-July when India goes to Sri Lanka for a short series. Until then, VVS Laxman, who leads the National Cricket Academy, might join the team as head coach for their trip to Zimbabwe after the T20 World Cup, as reported by PTI.
