Shubman Gill, the newly appointed captain of the Indian Test team, has offered insights into the contrasting coaching styles of Ashish Nehra and Gautam Gambhir. Gill's observations come as he prepares to lead India in the upcoming five-match Test series against England, beginning June 20 in Leeds. This series marks a significant transition for the Indian squad, with Gill stepping into the captain's role following Rohit Sharma's retirement and senior players like Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin not being part of the team.
Gill's perspective is particularly valuable given his recent experience playing under both Nehra and Gambhir. He served as captain of the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL, where he worked closely with head coach Ashish Nehra. Now, he is set to work with Gautam Gambhir, who has taken over as the head coach of the Indian national team.
In an interview with Dinesh Karthik on Sky Sports, Gill articulated the key differences between the two coaches. He described Nehra as "very hands-on, very animated, and very expressive." Gill emphasized that Nehra's personality is directly reflected in his coaching style, making him a highly involved and demonstrative presence within the team. Sai Kishore, a GT player, has also spoken about Nehra's hands-on approach and how he ensures that the team never becomes complacent, constantly pushing for improvement. Nehra's unique coaching style has even drawn comparisons to Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, highlighting his tactical acumen and animated demeanor on the field.
In contrast, Gill characterized Gautam Gambhir as "very determined, very committed, and very clear in his communications." He highlighted Gambhir's focus on instilling a specific attitude and mindset within the team. According to Gill, Gambhir places a strong emphasis on the environment and the mental fortitude of his players. This approach aligns with Gambhir's reputation as a fierce competitor and a leader who demands high standards. Gill noted that Gambhir "focuses more on the kind of attitude or the mindset that he requires from the team or the players".
Despite their differing approaches, Gill emphasized that both Nehra and Gambhir share a common goal: to win. He acknowledged that their "paths might be different, but you're trying to reach the same destination." This suggests that Gill appreciates the value of both coaching styles and recognizes that each can be effective in its own way.
Furthermore, Gill addressed the expectations placed upon him as the new Test captain. He revealed that both Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of selectors, have encouraged him to express himself as a leader without any undue pressure. Gill stated, "They just want me to be able to express myself as a leader. That's what they've told me: there are no expectations, they aren't expecting me to do something I'm not capable of." This support from the coach and selectors appears to have instilled confidence in Gill as he embarks on this new chapter in his career. He further added that his focus is on building a secure and happy environment within the team.
As Shubman Gill prepares to lead India in the Test series against England, his ability to adapt to Gautam Gambhir's coaching style and implement his own leadership vision will be crucial. His understanding of the game, combined with the backing of the team management, positions him well to guide the team through this transitional phase.
