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Gautam Gambhir is set to begin his first assignment as India’s head coach with an upcoming three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka. Following his successful tenure with the Kolkata Knight Riders, there is considerable anticipation regarding his potential impact, and many are looking forward to seeing what the former Indian opener will bring to the team.
However, Sanjay Manjrekar, a former Indian cricketer and prominent commentator, has downplayed Gambhir’s significance and the overall influence of a coach on a team’s success.
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Manjrekar on the Role of the Indian Coach
Manjrekar highlighted that India’s victories in four World Cups occurred under different coaches, suggesting that the team’s success is not tied to the coach’s identity. He named Lalchand Rajput, Gary Kirsten, and Rahul Dravid as the coaches during India’s World Cup wins in 1983, 2007, 2011, and 2023, respectively. Manjrekar argued that the strength of Indian cricket lies in the players and not in who the coach is, subtly critiquing the excitement surrounding Gambhir’s appointment.
“No coach, Lalchand Rajput, Gary Kirsten & Dravid. Coaches when India won WCs in 1983, 2007, 2011 & 2023. It’s really about Indian cricket, not who the coach is. Time we stop thinking there is a direct correlation,” said Manjrekar.
Upcoming Matches
India will compete in three T20Is, with Suryakumar Yadav leading the team. For the subsequent ODI series, Rohit Sharma will return to captain the side.
Manjrekar’s comments underscore a broader debate about the actual impact of a coach on a team’s performance, especially in a cricket-loving nation where expectations and hype often surround key appointments.
