Former cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra acknowledged Gautam Gambhir's impactful start as India's white-ball coach, emphasizing the Champions Trophy 2025 triumph and innovative T20I strategies.
Chopra mentioned Gambhir has brought a fresh vision to India’s T20I cricket by putting his faith on players like Sanju Samson. He also highlighted the coach’s bold tactics, such as fielding four spinners in the Champions Trophy.
“He has an impeccable record in T20Is. In T20 cricket, he has created a new template. It will be interesting to see how Shubman Gill fits into this template as an opener. Considering the number of chances and confidence Sanju Samson was given, it seems like you invest in people and back them to the hilt,” Chopra said while speaking on his YouTube channel.
Chopra, however, was quick to clarify that Gambhir has no role in Gill’s return to the T20I squad as vice-captain.
“You might say that he is not doing it now. Selection is the selectors’ job. The coach’s job is to play players from the team provided. I don’t think you should be looking at Gautam Gambhir at all for Shubman opening or becoming the vice-captain,” he added.
Aakash Chopra further stated that India’s recent ICC success has defined Gambhir’s coaching tenure so far.
“Not many ODIs have happened. Only 11 matches have been played, but it includes the Champions Trophy win. Once you have won the Champions Trophy, I think this is the pinnacle. Only one ICC event has happened in his tenure, and you have lifted the trophy there,” he remarked.
Chopra credited Gambhir for unconventional yet successful team selection in the Champions Trophy.
“The team selection was slightly against the grain. There were four spinners, and you played all four. That was phenomenal. Varun Chakaravarthy played and he became your trump card. There you have to give him the credit. There was criticism, but he stuck to his guns. You lifted the trophy without Jasprit Bumrah. Thumbs up to you with both hands there,” Chopra concluded.
Gautam Gambhir’s next assignment as India head coach is the Asia Cup 2025, set to be played in the T20I format in UAE from September 9 to September 28.
