India,The legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev Redefining the role of the modern head coach as “more” has sparked debateManagercompared to a traditional coach, particularly commenting Gautam GambhirTenure amid recent investigations.
speaking in Indian Chamber of Commerce ICC Centenary SessionKapil emphasized man-management rather than technical coaching ahead of India’s preparations for the T20 World Cup 2026. His views come at a time when Gambhir is facing pressure after the 0-2 defeat in the home Test against India South Africa In November 2025.
Kapil Dev reacts to Gautam Gambhir’s coaching development
Dev clarified that today’s “coach” label misrepresents the job, it is derived from his school and college experiences where coaches used to handle basic things like leg-spin or wicket-keeping skills.
,Gautam Gambhir cannot become a coach. He can be the manager of the team“Kapil said, arguing experts now train players technically, leaving head coaches to boost morale and handle rotation. He also stressed on supporting under-performers, saying captains should dine with strugglers and not centurions to boost confidence:”You have to console them and say ‘you can do better’,
This philosophy aligns with the player rotation and part-time reliance that Gambhir criticized during the South Africa series defeat, after the 0-3 defeat was India’s second home Test whitewash in a year. new zealand In 2024.
Implications for T20 World Cup 2026
Gambhir’s tenure from July 2024 shows mixed results: 64.70% ODI win rate (11 wins, 5 losses, 1 tie) in 17 matches, including ICC Champions Trophy And asia cup winBut Test struggles highlight format-specific challenges. India is set to announce its T20 World Cup 2026 squad in Mumbai on December 20, 2025. The upcoming T20 matches against South Africa (December 9-19) and New Zealand (January 21-31) will serve as important auditions under Gambhir’s attacking style.
Kapil’s support for management-centric leadership could be a boost to Gambhir, who recently stressed on the team’s fitness, integrity and reaching the summit on time, despite accepting India.not where we want to beStill. As pressure mounts after Test failures, Kapil urged cohesion: captains and managers should prioritize team cohesion over individual glory. This comes amid calls for divided coaching, which Kapil sidelined, favoring whatever suits Indian cricket best.
Kapil’s insight underlines a change in the dynamics of cricket, where head coaches like Gambhir manage star-studded teams while keeping in mind the priorities of T20 leagues and white ball. With the T20 World Cup around the corner, his call for encouragement rather than instruction could show India the path to salvation.
Also read: South African legend Dale Steyn blames Gautam Gambhir’s big mistake for India’s defeat in Mullanpur
