NEW DELHI: Ajay Jadeja, a former Indian batsman, believes that Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach of the Indian cricket team, will encourage the team to adopt a proactive and assertive style of play in the forthcoming Test series against Bangladesh, which consists of two matches. Jadeja is of the opinion that Gambhir will not permit the opposing team to seize the upper hand at any point during the series.
The Test series, which is set to commence on September 19 in Chennai, will be followed by a series of three T20 International matches between the two nations.
"It is very clear, his approach is aggressive. One thing is sure, there will never be a dull moment with him around, he will always try something. He will do what he believes," Jadeja told reporters, as quoted by PTI, when asked about the Indian team's approach under Gambhir during the upcoming series.
"He (Gambhir) will not be somebody who will sit back and let things flow. He will be out there, he will try things like we saw Suryakumar Yadav becoming captain suddenly. I am looking forward to the excitement we are going to see this year."
Jadeja addressed the media during the Cricket Association of Bengal's yearly awards ceremony in Kolkata. The 53-year-old, who amassed 5359 runs in 196 ODI matches at an impressive average of 37.47, is primarily recognized as a prolific batsman in the 50-over format.
Asked whether he will offer suggestions to Gambhir, Jadeja said, "I hope he does not take suggestions. The reason why he is there is because of what he did and how he looks at it.
"I hope he does not take anybody's advice and change his approach because what has made you who you are is something that you should believe in and stick to. He can always get better."
Jadeja took on the role of guiding the Afghanistan cricket team during the 2023 ODI World Cup held in India.
Despite Bangladesh's recent success in securing a landmark Test series victory against Pakistan, Jadeja remains confident in India's abilities. He asserted, "India is a far superior team," highlighting the strength and depth of the Indian cricket squad.
"Any team which has come just after winning will always think they can win. But there is a difference between the Pakistan team at the moment with the India cricket team. The Indian team is a far superior team.
"But yes, from their (Bangladesh's) point of view, they will believe that since they have beaten Pakistan, why cannot they (beat India). But we are a better side, but they will definitely be a handful. They play spin well, they bowl spin, so conditions suit."
When asked about the Indian team's prospects for the upcoming Test tour of Australia, starting in November, Jadeja said, "November is far off but we have done well in Australia in the past. Why should we not think that we will do it again.
"We should only get better from there," he added.
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