'He is a very misunderstood person': R Ashwin sheds light on Gautam Gambhir's sporting spirit

With Rahul Dravid's term as Team India's head coach coming to an end shortly, the BCCI is searching for a qualified coach to take over as head coach. There have been many rumours that Gautam Gambhir will take over, and in the midst of all of this confusion, the KKR mentor recently led his franchise to glory in IPL 2024 and it is anticipated that he will be the new Indian Cricket Team coach after the T20 World Cup.

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R Ashwin praises Gautam Gambhir and reveals a tale with him in the Indian Cricket Team 

Ravichandran Ashwin showed his deep respect for Gautam Gambhir, the leading candidate to take over as head coach of India. Ashwin commended Gambhir for having an amazing determination to win and for his battling attitude. Speaking at the book launch of "I Have the Streets - A Kutti Cricket Story," Ashwin discussed his interactions with Gambhir in his maiden full Test series for India against New Zealand back in 2012. Gambhir recently showed up for the interview to become the head coach of India, hoping to take over for Rahul Dravid. R Ashwin revealed: 

“I was playing my first full series. I only carried drinks during the first two years before the World Cup in 2011. Gautam gave me a lot of confidence at the beginning of my career. I was not used to someone beyond my state (Tamil Nadu) giving me that sort of confidence,”

The current head coach of the Indian men's cricket team, Rahul Dravid, is set to step down in June, and Gautam Gambhir is now in the lead to succeed him. Recently, Gambhir had a job interview with the BCCI Cricket Advisory Committee. 

The 37-year-old spinner Ravichandran Ashwin pointed out that Gambhir, a former Indian opener, is frequently misinterpreted because of his direct demeanour. Gambhir's abilities and potential for the coaching position were highlighted by Ashwin. He said: 

"Gautam Gambhir is a very misunderstood person. It's all about perception. He is a fighter. The biggest issue with many of us is that we give hero status to someone in our mind and forget about everyone else. This is a sport, not a movie narrative. There are no heroes and villains. Gambhir is a competitor. His desire and hunger to win is unbelievable. I have massive respect for him," 

It is assumed that Gautam Gambhir will be appointed head coach within a few weeks time, and the BCCI will make an announcement regarding their decision shortly.

PTI reports that VVS Laxman, the director of the National Cricket Academy, will lead the Zimbabwe visit after the T20 World Cup in the interim.