Kolkata, Sep 14 (PTI) – India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, is set to bring a fiercely aggressive strategy to the forefront in the forthcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh, according to former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja. The series, which kicks off in Chennai on September 19, will be followed by three T20 Internationals.

Jadeja elaborated on Gambhir’s dynamic approach, underscoring the certainty of high-energy cricket under his leadership. “Gambhir’s strategy is undeniably aggressive,” Jadeja remarked. “With him at the helm, expect no dull moments. He is always proactive, constantly trying new things. His approach is driven by strong beliefs and he is not one to sit back and allow events to unfold passively.”

Highlighting Gambhir’s unconventional tactics, Jadeja referred to instances such as Suryakumar Yadav’s sudden elevation to captaincy as examples of Gambhir’s willingness to innovate. “I am eagerly anticipating the excitement that Gambhir’s leadership will bring this year,” Jadeja added. The 53-year-old former cricketer, known for his impressive ODI record of 5359 runs from 196 matches at an average of 37.47, shared these insights during the Cricket Association of Bengal’s annual awards function.

When asked if he would offer advice to Gambhir, Jadeja stressed the importance of Gambhir staying true to his own methods. “I hope he doesn’t take suggestions from anyone,” Jadeja said. “Gambhir is in this position because of his unique perspective and achievements. He should maintain his approach, as it has defined his career and success. Of course, there’s always room for improvement, but his core strategy should remain intact.” Notably, Jadeja has experience as a mentor for the Afghanistan team during the 2023 ODI World Cup in India.

Despite Bangladesh’s recent historic Test series win in Pakistan, Jadeja expressed confidence in India’s superiority. “Any team that comes off a victory believes they can continue winning. However, there is a significant difference between the current Pakistan team and the Indian cricket team. The Indian team is far superior,” Jadeja asserted.

He acknowledged Bangladesh’s confidence but reiterated India’s strengths. “From Bangladesh’s perspective, having defeated Pakistan, they might feel capable of beating India too. Yet, we are a stronger side. They are adept at playing and bowling spin, which suits the conditions, but we remain the better team overall.”

Looking ahead to India’s Test tour of Australia starting in November, Jadeja was optimistic about India’s prospects. “Although November is still some time away, our past performances in Australia have been commendable. There is no reason why we shouldn’t aim to replicate or even improve on those successes. We should continuously strive to get better from there,” he concluded.

This detailed overview highlights Gambhir’s aggressive tactics and India’s robust preparation for upcoming cricket challenges, reinforcing India’s strategic approach under his leadership.