Former India captain Kapil Dev sparked discussion on Thursday about what a head coach’s role means in modern cricket. He said Gautam Gambhir “can’t be a coach” in the traditional sense and should instead be seen as a team manager.

Kapil made these remarks at a time when Gambhir faces criticism. India recently lost the Test series 0-2 to South Africa. Critics have questioned Gambhir’s approach, especially his frequent player rotation and reliance on part-time options.

However, Kapil shifted the focus away from results. He said the idea of coaching itself has changed in today’s game.

‘Coach’ Means Something Different Today

Speaking at the Indian Chamber of Commerce ICC Centenary Session, Kapil explained that international cricketers no longer need conventional coaching.

“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,” he said.

Kapil pointed out that coaching, as traditionally understood, belongs more to the early stages of a player’s career.

Difference Between Coaching and Managing

Kapil drew a clear line between grassroots coaching and elite-level leadership. “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.”

He said top-level players already have specialised skills. Because of this, a head coach cannot realistically offer technical advice to everyone in the squad.

Limits of Technical Coaching at the Top Level

Kapil questioned how one person could coach players with very different roles. “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?” he asked.

According to Kapil, expecting a head coach to technically guide every specialist is not practical in modern cricket.

Man-Management Is the Real Job

Instead, Kapil stressed that managing people is the most important responsibility.

“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 said.

He added that players perform better when they feel supported and trusted.

Creating Comfort Within the Team

Kapil said leadership is about making players feel comfortable and confident.

“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.”

He believes encouragement plays a bigger role than technical advice at the highest level.

Lessons From Kapil’s Captaincy Days

Reflecting on his own time as India captain, Kapil said he focused more on struggling players than successful ones.

“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,” he said.

He explained that players who are already performing do not need extra reassurance.

Supporting Those Who Are Struggling

Kapil said his attention often went to players low on confidence. “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,” he added.

He said such personal gestures help players regain belief in themselves.

Leadership Goes Beyond Performance

Kapil concluded by underlining the broader responsibility of leadership. “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.”

His comments reframed the debate around Gautam Gambhir, placing greater value on leadership, trust, and team unity in modern cricket.