Kapil Dev: World Cup 1983 Winning Coach Kapil Dev has stirred controversy over the approach of present Indian cricket team coach Gautam Gambhir.
Dev said the role of a modern-day coach is more of a manager than a coach. Speaking at the Indian Chamber of Commerce ICC Centenary Session, Dev added it’s difficult for him to understand how someone like Gambhir can coach a wicketkeeper or a leg spinner.
Dev said players get coaching when they are young. He added once players are on the international stage, they already possess skill sets that make the traditional idea of coaching unrealistic and irrelevant.
Why Are Previous Generation Players Furious With Gambhir?
Gautam Gambhir has brought a distinct leadership flavour to the Indian cricket team ever since he became a coach. His emphasis appears purely on outcomes – dominating opponents, maintaining top rankings and winning series both at home and overseas.
The remark of Kapil Dev may originate from the tendency of Gambhir to delegate technical work to specialists (like bowling, fielding and batting coaches) while handling macro-level decisions, much like a manager. Gambhir is known for investing his energy and charisma in reading opponents, managing pressure and planning match strategies. The World Cup 2011 winning player focuses on accountability, key performance indicators and psychological strength.
Kapil Dev’s Own Coaching Record is a Shame
Interestingly, Kapil Dev worked as the national coach from September 1999 to August 2000. During his tenure, India experienced a 3-0 Test whitewash in Australia and heavy ODI losses there.
The home ODI series against South Africa ended 3-2 for India amid match-fixing allegations and India witnessed its first home Test defeat in 12 years with a 2-0 whitewash loss.
India won 1, lost 5, and drew 2 (12.5% win rate) across 8 tests during the tenure of Kapil Dev. In 25 ODIs, India secured 9 wins and 16 losses (36% win rate) under Dev’s tenure.
Was Kapil Dev a manager too, and not a coach? Do share your opinions.
