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Team India is gearing up to kick off their new chapter with recently appointed new head coach Gautam Gambhir who took over the reins from Rahul Dravid. Following the conclusion of Rahul Dravid's highly successful tenure last month after India's T20 World Cup 2024 title glory, the former India opener has stepped in to take over the role. Much like Dravid, Gambhir steps into the role without prior experience coaching an international or state team. However, Dravid had previously led both the India and India U-19 teams and served as interim head coach for India's limited-overs series in Sri Lanka in 2021 before his permanent appointment. In contrast, Gambhir's coaching experience is limited to his impactful role as a mentor in the IPL. Despite this, his influence in the league has been significant, setting high expectations for his new position with Team India.
Gautam Gambhir was instrumental in guiding the Lucknow Super Giants to the playoffs in 2022 and 2023 as a mentor. However, after parting ways with Gambhir in 2024, LSG failed to make it to the playoffs. In the following IPL season, Gambhir took on the role of mentor for Kolkata Knight Riders and led them to an IPL title victory after a decade-long wait.
Avesh Khan, who has closely observed Gambhir's coaching methods talked about former India skipper's working style. A member of the LSG team in 2022 and 2023 when Gambhir was the mentor, Avesh Khan has shared insights into what makes the legendary batsman an effective 'team coach.' He explained that Gambhir instills a winning mentality and consistently motivates players to give their 100 per cent.
Avesh Khan on Gautam Gambhir's working style
"Whatever I have learned from him, it is about the mindset that you should always look to get the better of your opponent and give your 100 percent," Avesh Khan told BCCI ahead of India's fourth T20I against Zimbabwe.
"In team meetings, as well as one-on-ones, he would speak less but would convey his point as to what is to be done. He would assign tasks and roles to players and he has always been a ‘team coach', he always wants to win and everyone to give their 100 percent," he added.
Avesh Khan also talked about Jasprit Bumrah and hailed him as a once-in-a-generation fast bowler. He also emphasised on Bumrah's focus on executing plans and how he encourages teammates to do the same.
"Like Virat bhai said, he is a once-in-a-generation bowler, it is true and we all believe so. His style of bowling and his mindset are different, but the main (thing) is his execution, for which we all practice," said Avesh.
"Whenever I speak with him, he tells me to focus on the execution. If you are thinking of sending down a yorker, then it has to be a yorker; it cannot be a full toss or a half volley, a bouncer has to be on the shoulders; a length ball has to be (aimed at) the top of off (stump)," he concluded.
Avesh Khan is now busy playing T20I series against Zimbabwe. India hold a 2-1 lead and aim to clinch the series with a win in the fourth match on July 13.
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