'Gautam Gambhir is not a coach!' Kapil Dev makes a big statement, saying, 'What will he teach a leg-spinner or a wicketkeeper?'

Posted on 19th Dec 2025 by rohit kumar

Kapil Dev, the captain who led India to the 1983 World Cup title, has expressed his opinion on Gautam Gambhir's coaching style. Kapil Dev said that in modern cricket, the role of a head coach is more about managing the players.

 

Gautam Gambhir is currently facing criticism. Team India recently suffered a clean sweep in a two-match Test series against South Africa at home. Gambhir was questioned for making too many changes to the playing XI and for over-relying on part-time players.

 

 

What Kapil Dev said:

Speaking at the ICC Centenary Session of the Indian Chamber of Commerce, Kapil advised that the idea of ​​a coach is misunderstood in today's game.

 

 

"The word coach is used these days very lightly. Gautam Gambhir cannot actually be a coach. He can be a team manager. When I talk about coaches, I think of the people who coached in school or college. Those are my coaches," said Kapil Dev.

 

 

No need for technical instructions from the head coach

Kapil Dev stated that at the international level, specialist players don't need technical instructions from the head coach. The former captain asked, "How can you be a coach when someone is already a leg-spinner or a wicketkeeper? How can Gautam Gambhir coach a leg-spinner or a wicketkeeper?"

 

 

Kapil Dev emphasized that the main responsibility is to manage people and maintain the right atmosphere. He said, "Management is more important. As a manager, you have to motivate the players and make them believe that they can do it. Young players will inspire you."

 

 

According to Kapil Dev, the biggest responsibility of a coach or captain is to provide comfort and assurance. The former captain said, "Giving confidence to the team and always telling them that they can do better. That's how I see it."

 

 

Boosting player morale is crucial

Kapil Dev, while shedding light on his leadership style, said he would constantly strive to encourage players who are struggling with their form. He said, "If someone scores a century, I don't need to have dinner with him. I would rather spend time with the player who hasn't performed well."

 

 

The World Cup-winning captain emphasized that instilling confidence in underperforming players is essential for the team's success. Dev said, "You need to make them believe in themselves. As a captain, your role is not just to be responsible for your own performance, but for the team's performance as well."

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