Chennai, Sep 17 (PTI) – On Tuesday, former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik shed light on head coach Gautam Gambhir’s well-known aggressive demeanor, emphasizing that it is usually a protective measure for his players.

Karthik highlighted that Gambhir’s aggression is always purposeful and directed towards safeguarding his team, a trait that is likely to be appreciated by the current crop of players. “His aggression generally manifests in the defense of his players, and that’s something the current group will definitely enjoy. He isn’t someone who gets angry without reason,” Karthik remarked during a Legends League Cricket event in Chennai.

Gambhir’s strategic use of strong words, when necessary, aims to extract the best performances from his players, Karthik explained. “He will surely have his moments of stern communication when needed, and it’s all in the interest of bringing out the best in the players,” he added.

However, Karthik also pointed out that Gambhir might be slightly apprehensive about his lack of coaching experience in Test cricket as he gears up for his first assignment, with the opening match against Bangladesh set to commence on Thursday. “While he has considerable experience in various T20 tournaments, this Test series will be a fresh challenge for him as a coach and it’s something that could be on his mind,” Karthik noted.

Karthik is confident in Gambhir’s abilities to navigate these new waters. “He has always been someone who can handle tough situations adeptly. His understanding of the game’s nuances is crucial for a coach,” Karthik emphasized. He further mentioned that although Gambhir is still at an early stage in his coaching career, there is optimism about his ability to excel. “It will be interesting to see how things unfold for him. So far, things have gone well,” Karthik added.

The Indian cricket team is set to face a confident Bangladesh side, who recently secured a historic 2-0 series win against Pakistan. Karthik acknowledged the challenge but believes India will be formidable on home soil. “Bangladesh will come in with a lot of confidence. India needs to recognize that they are facing a different Bangladesh team,” he said.

He stressed that playing India in their home conditions presents unique challenges. “India at home is a different beast altogether. It won’t be easy for any visiting team, including Bangladesh,” he remarked. “Many teams have found it difficult to win in India, and Bangladesh will also face significant challenges in the coming weeks,” Karthik added.

Looking ahead to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy starting on November 22 in Perth, Karthik anticipates a thrilling series given India’s resilience and grit. “The BGT will be a stern test for Team India. The current Australian team is well-prepared and formidable, which is evident from their World Test Championship win,” he stated.

Despite the tough competition, Karthik remains optimistic about India’s chances. “It will be challenging for India, but considering their grit and resilience, it promises to be an exciting series to watch,” he concluded. PTI AYG DDV