'Avoid Knee-jerk Reactions': Shastri Delivers Essential Guidance To Gambhir Ahead Of Vital BGT Tests

Team India is seeking to defend their title after a clinical series win last time, but the Aussies will be determined to bring the title back home. Gautam Gambhir's future hangs in the balance as the BCCI is keeping an eye on the Border Gavaskar Trophy Series against Australia. After the shambolic loss against NZ at home, India came under heavy scrutiny, and Gambhir's tactics were heavily questioned. As BGT approaches, former Team India coach has offered some key advice to the current India head coach.  

Ravi Shastri Offers Strategic Wisdom To Gautam Gambhir As India Decks Up For BGT

During an appearance on the Star Sports Press Room, Ravi Shastri offered some critical advice to Gautam Gambhir as Team India gears up for the BGT Series. Even though Gautam Gambhir has a reputation for being aggressive, Shastri's brief counsel to the current India head coach is to maintain composure during the five Test matches in Australia and refrain from making snap decisions.

"The first thing would be to stay calm and not let outside elements influence you in any way. Avoid getting into positions where knee-jerk reactions happen. Stay calm and focus on understanding your players. You’ll notice what it takes for a player to thrive. You’ll understand team situations where a certain player might be better suited than another, based on your understanding of their temperament. These insights don’t come overnight -- it took me some time to understand everyone.

"Gautam might already have a basic understanding of the players’ temperaments. He might have seen them in the IPL or sat in the dressing room with them when he played. However, there are many players with different mindsets, cultures, and backgrounds. For example, there could be a player who’s an introvert, but with the right push and confidence, he could become a match-winner for you," Ravi Shastri said.

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After the recent home loss to New Zealand, Gautam Gambhir has come under intense scrutiny. His future with the Men in Blue is on the line, so winning the five-match Test series against Australia will be crucial.

The pressure remains on both sides as Australia is looking to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, while Team India seeks to defend it while also overcoming a recent whitewash by New Zealand. The anticipation is at an all-time high as Perth's Optus Stadium prepares for action. The Jasprit Bumrad-led Men in Blue will face the Pat Cummins-led Australian side in the first Test on November 22, 2024.

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[With PTI Inputs]