Regarding Gautam Gambhir as India’s next head coach, Aakash Chopra said, “When the father is strict, the children have to be a little careful.”

If Gautam Gambhir is appointed as India’s head coach and the squad experiences a period of transition during his tenure, Aakash Chopra believes he would be an excellent fit. Chopra is unsure of the effectiveness of Gambhir’s stringent techniques, though, if there are a lot of seniors on the side.

After current head coach Rahul Dravid’s term ends following next month’s T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA, there have been reports that the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) has approached former cricketers like Stephen Fleming, Ricky Ponting, and Justin Langer to lead India. But when it comes to seizing the difficult chance, the foreign coaches haven’t demonstrated much excitement. In the meantime, it’s been claimed that former Indian cricket player and current Kolkata Knight Riders coach Virat Kohli has entered the race to become India’s next head coach.

Chopra praised Gautam Gambhir’s assertive nature and stated that he would make a good head coach for India. He wasn’t sure, though, how the more experienced players would respond to his strict coaching methods.

“He is an honest person; therefore, it’s not a poor choice; there’s no question about it. He is skilled at team building and management. When it comes to the auction, I truly think highly of him. But there won’t be an auction for the Indian squad. Speaking on his official YouTube channel, Chopra stated, “The coach, Gautam Gambhir, has a very strong personality.

“Yes, when there is a changeover and a new captain is on the way. But because of Gautam Gambhir extremely severe, fatherly working style, I will be a little cautious if the squad already has a lot of seniors. The youngsters need to exercise caution when their father is tough, the former India opener said.

2014 and 2012 saw Gambhir lead KKR to two IPL championships. He guided the Lucknow Super Giants to the postseason in 2022 and 2023. Prior to the 2024 season, the small cricket player rejoined KKR, albeit in a different role as a mentor. He has contributed to the Kolkata-based team’s first-ever league-stage top-finishing position in the points table.