Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir’s arrival in July earlier this year marked a new chapter in Indian cricket. He took over the reins after Rahul Dravid’s exit after a successful tenure that culminated in a T20 World Cup win. However, his first series as the head coach went mixed as Sri Lanka registered a series win over India. Before the Bangladesh series, Ravichandran Ashwin, the seasoned player, shared his thoughts on the leadership styles of Rohit and Gambhir in a candid conversation with journalist Vimal Kumar.

“Gauti bhai is very intense. There are similarities between Rohit and Gauti bhai’s leadership, but Rohit keeps it light. Gauti bhai is an intense person,” Ashwin said. “He (Gambhir) is very passionate about Indian cricket, just like Rahul (Dravid) bhai. Both are very passionate about Indian cricket, but we believe both are different. Yes, they have different personalities. But people are like, ‘MS Dhoni was cool, so everyone should be cool’. It isn’t like that. Everyone has their own methods, and we should encourage that,” said Ashwin further.

However, the veteran Indian off-spinner was last seen in action at the Tamil Nadu Premier League and he has been away from international cricket since March earlier this year when India last played a Test series as well. Ashwin, however, will be among the first names in the team when India returns to Test action against Bangladesh as well.

However, Team India have 10 Tests remaining in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle, which will determine whether the side will retain its first place and qualify for the final for the third time.