'The coach's job is to...'- Former India star reflects on Gautam Gambhir's white-ball coaching ahead of Asia Cup 2025

The former Indian opening batter, Aakash Chopra, has praised the head coach of the national side, Gautam Gambhir, for his incredible tenure as the white-ball coach, reflecting on his impressive results in the Champions Trophy 2025, where they beat New Zealand in the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

In that event, under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, India remained unbeaten as they went on to lift the title. Now, he will have another aim to repeat the same heroics during the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 at home and in Sri Lanka. Chopra has welcomed Gambhir’s fresh vision in T20Is.

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“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 expressed in his recent YouTube video.

Aakash Chopra reflects on Gautam Gambhir’s white-ball coaching ahead of Asia Cup 2025

Chopra further spoke about the Blue Brigade’s recent ICC success under the stint of the Delhi-born. He also credited India’s unconventional but successful team selection in the Champions Trophy, where they went with three spinners in the side, including Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakravarthy, and Kuldeep Yadav.

“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.” Aakash Chopra expressed during a recent video on the YouTube channel.

“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.” The renowned commentator concluded.