📷 Image Credits: NDTV Sports
In a recent event for his book launch, India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin shared a heartwarming story about former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir. Gambhir is currently the favourite to take over as the head coach of Team India, following his successful stint as the mentor of Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2024. Ashwin, who hails from Tamil Nadu, recalled how Gambhir had been a source of support and confidence for him during his early days in the Indian team.
Ashwin highlighted that Gambhir is often misunderstood by fans and experts. He described Gambhir as a fighter, emphasizing his competitive spirit and hunger for victory. According to Ashwin, Gambhir’s attitude and aggression on the field are a testament to his dedication to the sport. He stressed that in cricket, there are no heroes or villains, only competitors, and expressed his immense respect for Gambhir’s approach.
During the book launch event, Ashwin also mentioned that Gambhir had appeared on his podcast, ‘Kutti Stories with Ash’, showcasing their camaraderie off the field. Despite speculation about his future and the role of Team India’s head coach, Gambhir remained modest about his achievements, stating that he wants to savor the success he had with KKR.
The competition for the head coach position between Gambhir and former India women’s coach WV Raman adds an interesting dynamic, especially considering their past collaboration at KKR in 2014. As the cricketing world awaits the final decision, the admiration and respect that Ashwin has for Gambhir’s selflessness and competitiveness serve as a poignant reminder of the camaraderie and sportsmanship that define the game.
