IND vs SA: Kapil Dev comes up with a bold statement for Gautam Gambhir
1983 World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev has shared his views on Gautam Gambhir’s role with the Indian cricket team, suggesting that the former opener is better suited to being a team manager rather than a traditional coach. Kapil’s comments come amid growing criticism of Gambhir following India’s disappointing performances in the longest format. The Men in Blue were recently whitewashed 0-2 by South Africa in a home Test series, further intensifying scrutiny around Gambhir’s tenure. Gambhir’s stint as part of the Indian team’s coaching setup has been far from smooth. Consecutive Test series defeats against Australia, New Zealand, and now South Africa have raised serious questions about the direction of the team and the effectiveness of the current support staff. These results have sparked debate among fans and former cricketers, with many seeking accountability for the team’s struggles at home.
IND vs SA: Kapil Dev delivers some bold comments for Gautam Gambhir
Kapil Dev also pointed out that the term “coach” is often misunderstood in modern cricket. According to him, players receive proper coaching during their formative years. By the time they reach the international level, they already possess refined skills and established techniques. At that stage, Kapil believes, the role is less about coaching fundamentals and more about managing personalities, guiding decision-making, and creating the right environment for elite performers to succeed.
"Today, that word called a coach 'coach' is a very common word today. Gautam Gambhir can't be a coach. He can be a manager of the team. When you say coach, coach is where I learn in the school and college. Those were the people, my coach there. They can manage me," stated former Indian captain Kapil Dev.
"How can you be a coach when they have given a name to let's say anybody a leg spinner? How can Gautam can be a coach to a leg spinner or to the wicket-keeper? I think you have to manage. That's more important. As a manager you give them encouragement to say you can do it because when you become a manager the young boys look up to you," he added.
Kapil Dev emphasized that the most important responsibility of a captain or a coach working closely with players is not technical instruction, but emotional and mental support. According to the former World Cup-winning skipper, when a player is going through a lean patch or struggling for form, what they need most is reassurance rather than criticism. Kapil believes that confidence plays a decisive role in performance at the highest level, and it is the leadership group’s duty to create an environment where players feel trusted and backed.
He explained that constant pressure or public scrutiny can further dent a player’s belief, making it harder for them to regain rhythm. Instead, a captain or coach must communicate clearly, offer encouragement, and remind the player of their strengths. Kapil also highlighted that international cricketers already possess the necessary skills; what often goes missing during tough phases is self-belief. By providing comfort, clarity, and confidence, leaders can help players relax, express themselves freely, and eventually rediscover their best form, which in turn benefits the entire team.
"How can my manager or captain can give me that comfort and that's what the manager and captain's job is - to give comfort to the team and always say 'you can do better'. That's the way I look at it," Kapil noted.
Kapil Dev further stated that a coach’s time and attention should be directed more toward players who are struggling, rather than those already performing well. According to him, in-form players usually require minimal intervention, as confidence and rhythm naturally drive their performances. It is the out-of-form cricketers who need guidance, reassurance, and a clearer sense of belief from the coaching staff.
Kapil emphasized that neglecting a player going through a rough patch can deepen self-doubt and prolong poor form. Instead, regular conversations, honest feedback, and emotional support can help restore confidence and clarity. He believes a coach’s true value lies in identifying players who are mentally vulnerable and helping them regain trust in their abilities, rather than spending unnecessary time with those who are already delivering results on the field.
"I think you have to give comfort to the people who are not playing well. If somebody made a hundred, I don't want to have a drink and dinner with him. There are a lot of people there As a captain I would like to have a drink with people or I like to have a dinner with people who are not performing.
"You need to give them the confidence and that's what happens. So I think it's very important as a captain and your role is not only your performance, it is also about putting the team together," he concluded.
