Suryakumar Yadav shares bold take on Gautam Gambhir’s coaching: ‘Even without speaking…’
Suryakumar Yadav praised Gautam Gambhir’s leadership on Tuesday, recognizing his player-friendly approach in the T20 team. Speaking at a pre-match press conference in Kolkata, Yadav reflected on his four years under Gambhir’s guidance, particularly during their time at the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). “Even without speaking to him, we know what we need to do,” Yadav shared, recalling their IPL days when Gambhir captained KKR to the 2014 title.
Gambhir’s leadership left a lasting impact on Yadav. Despite Gambhir’s absence on the South Africa tour, his principles continued to influence the team. “He gives freedom, he allows players to express themselves,” Yadav said. He emphasized Gambhir’s ability to understand players’ thoughts and keep the atmosphere light and simple. This ability to connect with players has fostered a positive environment, conducive to growth.
Yadav’s comments underscore Gambhir’s role in shaping the team’s success. As the team prepares for the upcoming series against England, Gambhir’s influence could prove key. The cohesion and understanding built under his leadership provide the team with a solid foundation.
However, despite Gambhir’s positive influence, reports during the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy suggested tension between Rohit Sharma and Gambhir. India faced challenges in the Test format, suffering a crushing 3-0 defeat to New Zealand. This loss complicated their path to the World Test Championship (WTC) final. India needed to defy the odds with a series win in Australia, but despite a historic opening win in Perth, Australia reclaimed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a 3-1 series victory.
The upcoming T20I series against England will see Suryakumar Yadav leading the squad, which includes players like Sanju Samson, Hardik Pandya, and Axar Patel. The team aims to capitalize on the positive energy Gambhir has cultivated, ensuring that his leadership continues to guide them through challenges.
