Legendary former captain Kapil Dev argues that international cricket has outgrown the traditional “coach” label, suggesting that Gautam Gambhir’s role is better defined as a team manager. His comments come as Gambhir faces intense scrutiny following India’s disappointing 0-2 Test series defeat in South Africa.
December 19, 2025: Speaking at the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Centenary Session, the 1983 World Cup hero sparked a debate on the evolution of leadership in elite sports. Kapil argued that at the international level, players already possess the necessary skills and do not need “school or college” style technical instruction.
The “Manager” Label: “Gautam Gambhir can’t be a coach. He can be a manager of the team,” Kapil stated, emphasizing that the term ‘coach’ is becoming a misnomer for the top job.
Specialization Gap: Kapil questioned how a head coach could offer technical advice to highly specialized players. “How can Gautam be a coach to a leg spinner or to the wicket-keeper? They have experts for that.”
The Real Task: He insisted the role is about man-management, motivation, and creating a comfort zone for players to thrive.
The “Kapil Dev” School of Leadership
Reflecting on his own tenure as India’s leader, Kapil shared a unique philosophy on handling squad morale, particularly when players are struggling.
“As a captain, I would like to have a drink or dinner with people who are not performing. If somebody made a hundred, I don’t want to have dinner with him—there are already plenty of people for that. You need to give confidence to those who are not playing well.”
For Kapil, the core responsibility of the modern “manager” is to provide that emotional safety net and always remind the squad that “you can do better.”
Pressure Mounts on Gambhir
Kapil’s remarks arrive at a sensitive time for the current head coach. After India’s 0-2 whitewash in South Africa, Gambhir’s tactical decisions have been under fire:
- Frequent Rotation: Critics argue the constant shuffling of the playing XI has disrupted team chemistry.
- Part-time Obsession: His reliance on part-time bowling options in critical Test match sessions has been questioned by former cricketers