Gambhir is 'very relaxed' as opposed to Dravid's 'regimented' style: Ashwin

Chennai: Gautam Gambhir is more relaxed compared to his predecessor Rahul Dravid, who had a "regimented" style of functioning, feels Indian team's oldest member Ravichandran Ashwin.

Dravid, who was in charge of Team India since November, 2021, quit the role this July after T20 World Cup triumph and has since been replaced by Gambhir.

Pointing out the difference, Ashwin noted that Gambhir has a relaxed approach and helps in maintaining a lively atmosphere in the dressing room, calling him a "relaxed Rancho".

"I think he (Gambhir) is very relaxed. I want to call him 'relaxed Rancho' (referring to Aamir Khan's character in the hit film '3 Idiots'). There's no pressure at all," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

"In the morning, there will be a team huddle. He is very relaxed about that as well. He will be like, 'Are you coming, please come'; it's like that."

However, when it came to Dravid, Ashwin revealed that he had a more stern and ordered approach.

"With Rahul bhai, as soon as we come, he demanded in order. Even a bottle should be kept at a particular place at a particular time. He is very regimented," he disclosed.

"With Gambhir, he doesn't expect all that. He has a relaxed order and will be a people's man. He will capture everybody's heart, and I think he will be loved by the boys."

While Dravid led India to the T20 World Cup conquest before stepping down from the role, Gambhir took charge after leading Kolkata Knight Riders to its third Indian Premier League title, having joined his former franchise as a mentor only this season.

Gambhir is guiding the Indian team in his first-ever Test assignment with the side, having won the opening Test against Bangladesh here.