Ravichandran Ashwin’s exceptional performance propelled India to a decisive 280-run victory in the Chennai Test against Bangladesh. Ashwin scored a century in the first innings and took six wickets in the second innings.
Expressing his views on YouTube, Ashwin stated that he believes Gautam Gambhir, the new head coach, would be well-received by current and future team members.
Gambhir succeeded Rahul Dravid as India’s head coach following Dravid’s decision not to extend his tenure after winning the T20 World Cup. Gambhir’s initial assignment saw mixed outcomes as India won the T20I series but lost the ODI series in Sri Lanka.
The crucial Chennai Test marked the beginning of India’s 10-match series in the upcoming season, providing a confidence boost to Gambhir and his team.
The game featured notable contributions from other players, with Ravindra Jadeja scoring 86 runs in the first innings. Jadeja and Ashwin combined for a 199-run partnership, recovering India from 144 for 6 to a total of 376.
While reflecting on his experience, Ashwin mentioned the differences between Gambhir’s and Dravid’s coaching styles, appreciating the positive aspects of both.
“I think he is very relaxed. I want to call him ‘relaxed rancho’. There’s no pressure at all. In the morning, there will be a team huddle. He is very relaxed about that as well. He will be like ‘are you coming, please come’. It’s like that.”
“With Rahul bhai, as soon as we come, he wanted things in order: even a bottle should be kept at a particular place at a particular time. He is very regimented. He wanted things in order.”
“With Gambhir, he doesn’t expect all that. He has a relaxed order. He will be a people’s man. He will capture everybody’s heart. I think he will be loved by the boys.”
Ashwin also praised Rohit Sharma‘s leadership, saying, “Also, Rohit is a very good leader who works well with everybody. Even when he is leading the side, we can see that. He is very calm and composed as a leader.”
India showcased their cricketing prowess as Jasprit Bumrah‘s exceptional bowling restricted Bangladesh to a score of 149. In the second innings, valuable centuries came from Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill, both of whom scored centuries, solidifying India’s strong position.
India will face Bangladesh in the second Test match at Kanpur on 27th October.