Kapil Dev Discusses Gautam Gambhir's Coaching Approach Amid Criticism

Kapil Dev's Insights on Coaching in Modern Cricket

Kapil Dev, the first captain of India to win a World Cup, addressed the ongoing criticism surrounding Gautam Gambhir's coaching methods on Thursday. He emphasized that in today's cricket landscape, the role of a head coach leans more towards managing players rather than providing direct coaching.

Following India's 0-2 defeat in the Test series against South Africa, Gambhir has faced scrutiny as the head coach, particularly for his strategy of frequently rotating players and relying on makeshift options.

Kapil pointed out that the term 'coach' is often misunderstood in contemporary cricket. Speaking at the Indian Chamber of Commerce's ICC centenary session, he remarked, "The term 'coach' has become quite common today. Gautam Gambhir may not fit the traditional role of a coach; he could serve as a team manager instead."

He elaborated, "When I think of a coach, I recall those who taught me in school and college. They were my coaches, and they managed me effectively." Kapil questioned Gambhir's ability to coach specific skills, asking, "How can he coach a leg spinner or a wicketkeeper?"

He further stated, "Management is crucial. As a manager, you inspire players by instilling confidence in them, as young players tend to trust you more." Kapil also expressed that if Sunil Gavaskar played in the current era, he would be the top T20 batsman.

Kapil shared his love for all formats of cricket, saying, "I enjoy everything about cricket—T20, T10, ODIs, you name it. I often say that if Sunil Gavaskar were playing today, he would excel in T20 as well."

He added, "For those with a strong defense, hitting becomes easier. Defense is the challenging part. Therefore, I always emphasize remembering those with excellent defense, as they can play aggressively due to the extra time they have."

During the session, former captain of the Indian women's team, Mithali Raj, reminisced about the moment India recently won the World Cup at home. She expressed, "Seeing 'India' written on that trophy evoked a strange feeling... Every time you qualify for the finals, there's a photo shoot, and you find yourself next to the trophy, always looking at Australia, England, and New Zealand."

Mithali reflected, "I was there twice for the photo shoot, and each time I wondered when we would see 'India' on that trophy, and finally, we did."