'Created a new template': Ex-cricketer hails Gambhir’s start as white-ball coach

NEW DELHI: Former India batter Aakash Chopra has lavished praise on head coach Gautam Gambhir for his remarkable tenure so far as India’s white-ball coach, highlighting the team’s impressive run of results and their Champions Trophy triumph under his leadership.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Speaking on his YouTube channel ahead of the 2025 Asia Cup, Chopra said Gambhir has brought a fresh vision to India’s T20I cricket. “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 remarked.

The former opener, however, was quick to clarify that Gambhir has no role in Gill’s appointment as vice-captain or his possible return as an opener. “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.Chopra further underlined that India’s recent ICC success has defined Gambhir’s coaching stint 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 said.Highlighting Gambhir’s tactical boldness, Chopra credited him for India’s 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.