Credit: ICC
Gautam Gambhir’s stint as the head coach of the Indian cricket team was met with formidable challenges in the Test format. It started well when the Indian team won a home series against Bangladesh, but then India was whitewashed at home after 24 years by New Zealand. After that, the 3-1 loss of Border Gavaskar Trophy reportedly raised questions on Gautam Gambhir’s coaching future, specially in Test cricket. Seeing the seasoned senior players struggling with form, it appeared that Gambhir backed the newcomers in the Test team.
Indian fast bowler Akash Deep’s recent interview corroborates the approach of Gautam Gambhir of backing the newcomers. “Tumko khud pata nahi tum kya kar sakte ho (You aren’t aware of your capabilities),” the speedster quoted Gautam Gambhir while recollecting the Indian head coach’s comments after his impactful knock of 66 in the Oval Test. Akash Deep further stated, “Gautam bhai is a very passionate coach. He always motivates us.” In his interview, Akash Deep reportedly believed that he owed his impactful performance in the England tour to the coach who believed in him more than himself, a captain who supported when the chips were down, and the conditions in England which felt like home to the Bengal pacer.
When a captain backs you when you’re down, it really makes the difference: Akash Deep on Shubman Gill
Akash Deep also praised the leadership of Shubman Gill, who took over as Test captain and led India with composure in his first assignment. “He’s very supportive. When a captain backs you and understands things well, especially when you’re down, it makes a big difference,” he stated. Having played under Gill in the Duleep Trophy, Akash reportedly found the transition seamless, lauding Gill’s calm demeanor and on-field ideas. Shubman Gill, a seasoned IPL captain, amassed a record-breaking 754 runs, including four centuries, silencing doubters about his appointment.
The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, proved to be a platform for Akash Deep to showcase his batting talent along with his bowling prowess. The speedster was the key factor for the Indian side to secure their biggest overseas victory in the second Test at Edgbaston. But his composed 66 off 94 deliveries, part of a 131-run stand with centurion Yashasvi Jaiswal, was instrumental in India posting 396 in their second innings, securing a 166-run lead by lunch on Day 3. The knock appeared to drew beaming smiles from the coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill.
