Former India opener Aakash Chopra has shared his views on Gautam Gambhir’s coaching philosophy, noting that the former World Cup winner values bowlers who can contribute with the bat. According to Chopra, this approach has benefited the likes of Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur but has left limited opportunities for specialist spinner Kuldeep Yadav.
Chopra explained that these multi-dimensional cricketers might provide balance to the side. However, it can sometimes leave players like Kuldeep on the sidelines. Kuldeep, India’s only wrist-spinner in the squad for the five-Test series against England, did not feature in a single game. Many had expected him to be a regular in the playing XI but the team management opted otherwise.
Meanwhile, India are still searching for consistency in Test cricket. The team showed fight by drawing the England series 2-2 but results in the last one year under Gambhir have been mixed. While his tenure began with a series win against Bangladesh, the side later lost a home series to New Zealand and then struggled in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.
Aakash Chopra on Gautam Gambhir’s Preference for All-Rounders
Explaining what he has noticed about Gambhir’s coaching style, Chopra said that the former opener places a high value on cricketers who can offer depth with the bat and explained how this has affected Kuldeep Yadav.
"One thing stands out in Gautam’s coaching, he values bowlers who can bat. Sundar, Shardul, and Jadeja have seen more responsibility. Sometimes you feel that Kuldeep Yadav is getting left out because of that, but I am sure he would have a role when they play at home,” Chopra said as quoted on his YouTube channel.
Advertisement
Aakash Chopra Reviews Gautam Gambhir’s Test Coaching Record
Chopra also assessed Gambhir’s overall record in red-ball cricket as coach. He noted that India have not been at their best in recent times and the team is currently in a transition phase after Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s retirements.
"Gautam Gambhir has been the coach in 15 Tests, of which India have won five, lost eight, and two have been drawn. The win percentage is 33.33, which is not great. However, it is also true that India are going through a transition in Test cricket, and transition is painful."
Looking back at India’s recent results, Chopra felt the series defeat to New Zealand was a big setback which was followed by the humiliation in Australia.
"India have struggled a little in Test cricket. What happened against New Zealand was slightly surprising and worrying. That was definitely bad. In that backdrop, you went to Australia, and Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's Test careers ended there. They didn't retire there, but they didn't play Test matches after that," Chopra stated.
Also read: “One Of The Worst You Can Do” - AB De Villiers On BCCI’s New ‘Broncho Test’ For Indian Players
