“How can Gautam Gambhir be a coach?”: Kapil Dev lashes out

Soumyajit Dutta

Kapil Dev and Gautam Gambhir [Source: @IIFA, @gulfnews/X] Kapil Dev and Gautam Gambhir [Source: @IIFA, @gulfnews/X] 

India's cricket icon, the legendary captain Kapil Dev, has shared his views on the role of a modern cricket head coach while taking into account Gautam Gambhir’s role in the current setup. His comments come amid the scrutiny of Gambhir, following India's Test series loss to South Africa. 

Critics have questioned Gambhir's methods, including frequent player changes and use of part-time bowlers. Kapil suggested the job is now less about technical instruction and more about leadership and management.

Kapil Dev backs Gambhir as a manager and not a 'coach'

Speaking at an Indian Chamber of Commerce event on December 18, Kapil explained his perspective. He argued that the term 'coach' is outdated for the current national team role, where players are already highly skilled specialists.

"Today that word called a coach... 'coach' is a very common word today. Gautam Gambhir can't be a coach. He can be a manager of the team. When you say coach, coach is where I learn in school and college. Those were the people, my coaches there. They could manage me," Kapil said in the event.

Kapil Dev emphasised that a manager's primary duty is to provide confidence to the players, especially to those struggling with form.

"How can you be a coach when they have given a name to, let's say, anybody - a leg spinner? How can Gautam be a coach to a leg spinner or to the wicketkeeper? I think you have to manage. That's more important. As a manager you give them encouragement to say you can do it, because when you become a manager the young boys look up to you," Kapil Dev added.

Kapil Dev gives tips to Gambhir to be a better coach

He further connected this to his own leadership style, stating his priority was always to support underperforming players when they were struggling.

"I think you have to give comfort to the people who are not playing well. If somebody made a hundred, I don't want to have a drink and dinner with him. So I think it's very important as a captain that your role is not only about your performance, but also about putting the team together," Dev concluded.

While Gambhir takes pride in his accomplishments and leads his team to the final and fifth T20I against South Africa in Ahmedabad, all eyes will be on him as the Men in Blue are set to announce their T20 World Cup squad and New Zealand series squad on December 20.