Credits: X
Former Indian batter Aakash Chopra opened up on his relationship with current head coach of Indian men’s team Gautam Gambhir. Chopra recalled the bond he used to share with Gambhir during their playing days. The cricketer-turned-commentator said that the Delhi team was strong and he as well as Gambhir had to fight for a spot in playing XI. Notably, after the successful completion of T20 World Cup 2024, the former opener replaced Gambhir as the head coach of the Indian men’s senior team.
Gambhir started his coaching tenure during India’s tour of Sri Lanka, and had a mixed start to his campaign. Under his leadership, the Men in Blue went on to win the T20I series but suffered a 0-2 loss in the ODI series. The ODI World Cup 2011 winning batter will make his red-ball debut as coach during India’s two-match series against Bangladesh, starting on September 19.
He wasn’t a friend; we were competitors: Aakash Chopra on relationship with Gautam Gambhir
The cricketer-turned-commentator revealed the relationship he used to share with Gautam Gambhir during their playing days. He admitted that they weren’t friends in the beginning but competitors. Chopra admitted, “We were competitors to begin with. He wasn't a friend, to be honest. (But he was a) very passionate guy, very hard working, and very serious about his craft.”
Not only this, Chopra also went on to describe Gambhir as a hardworking and passionate cricketer who was very serious about his game. The 46-year-old went on to say, "And he scored a lot of runs. But he always wore his heart on his sleeve, was extremely passionate, and could short-fuse very quickly in terms of temperament.”
He’s a good hearted guy, was born with golden spoon: Aakash Chopra on Gautam Gambhir
The former India opener said that Gautam Gambhir had intense passion towards his game. He came from an affluent family and didn’t play the game for financial reasons. However, Chopra added that the Delhi-born was very dedicated and would spend long hours in training. He said, “He's a good hearted guy, comes from a very affluent family. For that kid to have that kind of passion... he would be at the ground the whole day. He was born with a golden spoon, not even silver. It's a different journey, basically like Abhinav Bindra. Gautam has the heart at the right place.”
