Indian cricketer Suryakumar Yadav has praised Gautam Gambhir 's coaching style, crediting it to the positive and player-friendly atmosphere in the T20 team. At a pre-match press conference in Kolkata on Tuesday, Yadav stressed on Gambhir's distinct style of mentoring and handling players.

India head coach Gautam Gambhir paid a visit to the renowned Kalighat Kali Temple in Kolkata ahead of the team's opening T20I clash against England on January 22 at Eden Gardens. This spiritual gesture by Gambhir comes as India embarks on a critical five-match series,

Suryakumar Yadav credits Gautam Gambhir's leadership for India's positive team atmosphere in T20s. He highlights Gambhir's unique mentoring style, fostering freedom and simplicity, impacting players even when absent.

"But, hopefully, we will chisel away at that over the next few weeks, and we'll be in good shape come that Champions Trophy." The 43-year-old was appointed England's white-ball coach in September, succeeding Matthew Mott, and he will now juggle between his role as Test coach while guiding the limited-overs side.

Check out what head coach Brendon McCullum said about Gautam Gambhir ahead of England's T20I series against India, starting January 22 only on CricTracker.

Gambhir has an impeccable record in the IPL. He first led KKR to two IPL title wins in 2012 and 2014. Then as a mentor, he first led Lucknow Super Giants to playoffs in consecutive years – 2022 and 2023. Then as a mentor of KKR in 2024, he oversaw the franchise's third IPL title win.

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has been under immense pressure after a torrid start to his Indian head coaching tenure. But England coach Brendon McCullum has backed him and extended his support to the former India cricketer.

England head coach Brendon McCullum has defended Gautam Gambhir's amidst latter's challenging journey as India head coach