Kapil Dev on Gautam Gambhir: “He’s More a Manager Than a Coach”

New Delhi: India’s first World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev has offered candid insights on the role of a head coach in modern international cricket, commenting on Gautam Gambhir’s tenure amid criticism following India’s 0-2 Test series loss to South Africa.

Speaking at an Indian Chamber of Commerce event on Thursday, Kapil Dev emphasized that at the international level, the term “coach” has evolved. According to him, Gambhir functions more as a manager than a traditional coach.

Technical Advice vs. Player Management
Kapil Dev explained that experienced international players do not need technical guidance from their head coach. “How can a head coach teach the nuances of leg-spin or wicketkeeping at this level?” he questioned, noting that such technical training is the responsibility of coaches at school or college level. Instead, the head coach’s true role is to understand players’ personalities, boost their morale, and create a positive environment for the team.

Management and Confidence Are Key
Kapil stressed that managing the team and fostering confidence is more important than focusing solely on technique. He said a manager’s primary job is to encourage players and instill belief that they can perform at their best on the field. Young players learn from observing their seniors and coaches, so a coach must be inspirational and motivating. According to Kapil, constantly reinforcing that “you can do even better” is a hallmark of a successful coach or captain.

Supporting Players Out of Form
Reflecting on his captaincy days, Kapil Dev shared a crucial mantra: players who are in form do not require a coach’s support. The real responsibility lies with players struggling with form, helping them regain confidence and assuring them that they remain an integral part of the team. Kapil believes that uplifting underperforming players is essential for the success of the entire team.