India‘legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev sparked debate by redefining the role of the modern head coach as more of a ‘coach’.manager” rather than a traditional coach commenting on Gautam Gambhirs tenure among recent investigations.
Speaking at the event ICC Centenary Session of the Indian Chamber of CommerceKapil emphasized man management over technical training ahead of India’s T20 World Cup 2026 preparations. His comments come as Gambhir faces pressure following India’s 0-2 home Test defeat South Africa In November 2025.
Kapil Dev reacts to Gautam Gambhir’s coaching evolution
Dev clarified that today’s label of ‘coach’ misrepresents the job, drawing from school and college experiences where coaches manage basics like leg spin or wicketkeeping skills.
“Gautam Gambhir cannot be a coach. He can be the manager of the team“, Kapil said, claiming that the experts are now coaching the players technically, leaving the head coaches to boost morale and deal with rotations. He emphasized that to build trust, captains should eat with warriors, not centurions, saying: “You need to comfort them and tell them “you can do better”..”
This philosophy is consistent with Gambhir’s criticized player rotation and part-timer reliance during the South Africa series loss, a year after India’s second home Test whitewash of 0-3. New Zealand In 2024.
Implications for T20 World Cup 2026
Gambhir’s tenure since July 2024 shows mixed results: 64.70% ODI win rate in 17 matches (11 wins, 5 losses, 1 draw) ICC Champions Trophy and Asian Cup winnerbut Test struggles highlight format-specific issues. South Africa (December 9-19) and New Zealand (January 21-31) serve as key auditions under Gambhir’s aggressive style in the upcoming T20I as India decide their T20 World Cup 2026 squad to be held in Mumbai on December 20, 2025.
Also WATCH: Gautam Gambhir aggressively shakes hands with Indian players after losing the 2nd T20I against South Africa.
Kapil’s endorsement of management-oriented leadership could bolster Gambhir, who has recently highlighted the team’s preparation, integrity and timely peaking despite taking on India.not where we want to beAs post-Test failures piled on the pressure, Kapil called for unity: captains and managers should prioritize team unity over personal glory. This comes amid split coaching calls, which Kapil has sidestepped by choosing the one best suited to Indian cricket.
Kapil’s views highlight the change in cricketing dynamics, where head coaches like Gambhir lead star-studded teams who rule T20 leagues and white-ball priorities. With the T20 World Cup around the corner, his call for encouragement over instruction could lead India to a rescue.
