Kapil Dev drops bombshell verdict on Gautam Gambhir: “How can you be a coach..."
Published - 19 Dec 2025, 01:30 PM | Updated - 19 Dec 2025, 01:31 PM
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Legendary Indian cricketer Kapil Dev has shared his thoughts on the role of a head coach in modern-day cricket, amidst the heat the current head coach Gautam Gambhir is facing after the team’s home debacle in Test cricket.
Recently, India lost another home Test series, and this time, South Africa clinched the historic 2-0 Test series on Indian soil. It was India’s second whitewash at home under Gautam Gambhir’s tenure ,following a 3-0 drubbing at the hands of New Zealand last year.
Kapil Dev questions Gautam Gambhir’s coaching methods!!
Well, India’s first-ever World Cup-winning captain, Kapil, feels that the word “coach” is often misunderstood in the modern era. He explained that the international cricketers do not need to be taught the basics the way young players do in school or college, as players already know their skills and roles very well at that level.
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He said that the players need someone who can handle the team environment, understand players’ emotions, and keep everyone confident. The former Indian all-rounder felt a modern head coach’s job is just like a team manager’s. He made these comments during a discussion at the Indian Chamber of Commerce ICC Centenary Session.
Kapil Dev said at the event, as quoted by PTI: “Today that word is 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.”
How can Gautam Gambhir be a coach to a leg spinner: Kapil Dev
Taking a sarcastic dig at Gambhir, the legendary all-rounder believes that the former Indian batter cannot teach a specialist leg-spinner how to bowl, saying the main responsibility of the head coach is to manage players, not coach them technically. He noted that a manager’s role is to make players feel comfortable, backed, and trusted, even when things are not going well.
The former Indian captain further explained, “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. How can my manager or captain give me that comfort? That's what the manager's and captain's job is—to give comfort to the team and always say, 'You can do better.' That's the way I look at it.”
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Kapil Dev shares key leadership lesson
In a direct message to Gautam Gambhir, Kapil Dev explained that leadership is about creating an environment where players feel free and positive, as there are reports of a rift in the dressing room.
The legendary all-rounder suggested that the modern-era captains and coaches must spend more time with the underperforming players than with someone who is doing well, and give them confidence and help them regain confidence.
The Indian legend signed off by saying, “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.”
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