Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has downplayed the hype surrounding Gautam Gambhir’s appointment as the new head coach of the Indian cricket team.
Manjrekar believes that the focus should be on the players and their performances rather than the coach.
Manjrekar took to social media to express his views, stating that the focus should not be on the coach but rather on the players and the structure of Indian cricket itself.
He highlighted that India has won four World Cups—1983, 2007, 2011, and 2023—under different coaches, suggesting that the success of the team is more about the players’ performances than the coach’s influence.
He tweeted, “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”.
Gambhir’s New Role
Gambhir succeeds Rahul Dravid, who concluded his tenure after leading India to victory in the T20 World Cup 2024. This marked a significant achievement, ending an 11-year ICC title drought for the team.
Gambhir, who has a successful track record in the Indian Premier League (IPL), is expected to bring his winning mentality to the national team. He previously led the Kolkata Knight Riders to two IPL titles and mentored the Lucknow Super Giants to playoff qualifications.
As Gambhir takes the reins, he will aim to build on Dravid’s legacy and prepare the team for upcoming challenges, including the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025 and the ODI World Cup in 2027.
Reactions to Manjrekar’s Comments
Manjrekar’s comments have drawn mixed reactions from fans and cricket analysts. While some agree with his assertion that the players should be the primary focus, others feel that a coach’s role is crucial in shaping a team’s strategy and performance.
Critics argue that Gambhir’s experience and leadership could significantly impact the team’s dynamics, especially after a successful campaign under Rahul Dravid.
