India’s first World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev, has offered a clear and thoughtful perspective on the ongoing debate surrounding Gautam Gambhir’s role as head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team. Amid criticism following India’s 0–2 Test series defeat to South Africa, Kapil believes that the modern-day head coach functions more as a manager than a traditional coach.
Speaking at the Indian Chamber of Commerce’s ICC Centenary Session on Thursday, Kapil said the term “coach” is often misunderstood in contemporary international cricket. According to him, players at the highest level do not require technical coaching in the conventional sense.
“Today the word ‘coach’ is used very loosely. Gautam Gambhir cannot really be a coach. He can be a manager of the team,” Kapil remarked. He explained that true coaching, as he experienced it during his formative years, involved teaching fundamentals at school or college level.
Kapil questioned how a head coach could technically coach specialists who have already mastered their skills. “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?” he asked.
Instead, Kapil stressed that managing personalities, building trust, and creating a positive environment are far more important responsibilities in modern cricket. He said the primary role of a coach or captain is to instill belief and confidence in players, particularly youngsters who look up to leadership for guidance.
“Management is more important. As a manager, you have to encourage players and make them believe they can do it,” Kapil said, adding that reassurance and emotional support often matter more than technical input.
In a reflection on his times as the captain of his team, Kapil revealed that he was more focused on players who were struggling than those who were doing well. “If one player scores a hundred or more, I’m not obliged to eat dinner with him. I’d rather be with people who aren’t doing well,” he said.
Kapil ended his speech by stating that fostering confidence among the weak players is crucial to team performance. “As an captain, your job is not only about your personal performance, but also about maintaining the team’s unity,” he added.
His remarks provide an insightful view of Gautam Gambhir’s job suggesting that leadership in the modern game of cricket is less about the coaching skills as much it is about management.
