Akashdeep Reveals Insights on Coach Gautam Gambhir's Impact During England Tour
In a recent interview, Indian bowler Akashdeep reflected on his first tour to England and the pivotal role played by head coach Gautam Gambhir. He emphasized Gambhir's unwavering trust and support, which created a familiar atmosphere despite being abroad. Akashdeep's impressive performance, including taking 10 wickets and scoring a half-century, marked his rise to fame. He also discussed the leadership styles of both Gambhir and Shubman Gill, noting how their calmness and strategic thinking positively influence the team's performance. This article delves into Akashdeep's journey and the impact of effective coaching in cricket.
Aug 13, 2025, 20:08 IST
Akashdeep's Experience with Coach Gambhir
Indian bowler Akashdeep has shared significant insights regarding head coach Gautam Gambhir. He mentioned that his inaugural tour to England was quite comfortable, as Gambhir placed immense trust in him, akin to a captain supporting his team during challenging times, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of home, despite being on foreign soil.
Notably, Akashdeep played a crucial role in India's victory by taking 10 wickets in one match and scoring a half-century in another, which catapulted him to stardom overnight. However, he recalls the advice Gambhir gave him after scoring 66 runs at The Oval.
In a conversation with a news agency, the 29-year-old player recounted Gambhir's words: 'You don’t even realize what you are capable of. Look, I told you that you could do this. You must always play with this level of dedication.' He further emphasized that Gambhir is a passionate coach who continually inspires the team and believes in both his batting and bowling abilities more than he does.
Having debuted in Test cricket under Rohit Sharma and now playing under Shubman Gill, Akashdeep finds it easy to adapt. He described the new captain as calm yet full of ideas on the field. 'He is an excellent captain. It’s not like he’s inexperienced; he has been leading in the IPL for several years, which is a significant platform. This experience makes a big difference. When a captain supports you and understands the game well, it impacts performance greatly,' he stated.
Akashdeep also mentioned that he played in the Duleep Trophy under Gill's captaincy last year. He noted that Gill's calm demeanor aids in making sound decisions on the field. Although this was Akashdeep's first tour to England, he often felt as if he was playing on subcontinental pitches, where fast bowlers experience minimal movement.