Legendary cricketer and India's first World Cup-winning captain, Kapil Dev, has offered a fresh perspective on the ongoing discussion about the working style of current head coach Gautam Gambhir. Speaking at a key event, Kapil emphasized that the fundamental role of a head coach in contemporary cricket has evolved into one focused primarily on player management rather than hands-on technical coaching.
Kapil Dev Redefines the Modern Coach's Role
Addressing the audience at the Indian Chamber of Commerce’s ICC Centenary Session on Thursday, Kapil Dev suggested the term "coach" is frequently misapplied at the highest level of the sport. He drew a clear distinction between traditional coaching and the demands of managing an international squad. "Today the word 'coach' is used very loosely. Gautam Gambhir cannot really be a coach. He can be a manager of the team," Kapil stated. He reminisced about his own formative years, noting, "When I talk about a coach, I think of the people who taught me in school and college. Those were my coaches."
Kapil elaborated that by the time players reach the international arena, they are already specialists in their skills. He posed a rhetorical question to underscore his point: "How can you be a coach when someone is already a leg-spinner or a wicketkeeper? How can Gautam coach a leg-spinner or a wicketkeeper?" According to the 1983 World Cup icon, the technical facets of the game are already ingrained in these elite athletes, making traditional coaching redundant at this stage.
Management Over Coaching: The Core Responsibility
The crux of Kapil Dev's argument centered on the paramount importance of man-management. He stressed that a head coach's key responsibility lies in handling diverse personalities, fostering a positive environment, and instilling self-belief in the squad. "Management is more important. As a manager, you have to encourage players and make them believe they can do it. Young players look up to you," he explained.
Kapil defined the primary job of a coach or captain as providing unwavering support and confidence to the team. "The job is to give confidence to the team and always tell them, 'you can do better'. That's how I see it," he added. This philosophy, he believes, is critical for team cohesion and success, especially during challenging phases like the recent 0-2 Test series loss to South Africa, after which Gambhir faced increased scrutiny over team selection and rotation.
Leading from the Front: Kapil's Personal Leadership Mantra
Reflecting on his own celebrated tenure as captain, Kapil Dev shared his personal approach to leadership, which aligns with his views on management. He revealed a conscious strategy of offering extra support to players who were struggling with form. "If someone scores a hundred, I don't need to have dinner with him. I would rather spend time with those who are not performing," he stated candidly.
He emphasized that building up the confidence of underperforming players is a non-negotiable duty for a leader. "You need to give them belief. As a captain, your role is not just about your own performance, but about keeping the team together," Kapil concluded. His comments provide a robust defense of a management-oriented coaching style, suggesting that Gambhir's true test lies in this domain of psychology and motivation, rather than in technical tweaks.
