Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir disagrees with the premise that India should hunt for a foreign coach once current head coach Rahul Dravid’s stint ends.
Gambhir explained how the Men in Blue made it all the way to the World Cup final in 2023 despite having a coaching staff that was nearly entirely made up of Indians. He stated why the lack of presenting abilities leads people to feel that a foreign coach would be more effective.
Here’s what Gautam Gambhir had to say regarding nations like India and Pakistan needing coaches from their own countries while speaking exclusively to Sportskeeda with former Pakistan famous bowler Wasim Akram:
“We saw how well India played in the World Cup and that shows that we don’t need anyone from the outside. Our problem is we are probably not able to present that well, use the laptop, or speak English that well. We don’t have those corporate skills, but we know how to put the hard yards on the field and do the groundwork.”
Gautam Gambhir
Wasim Akram chimed in on Gambhir’s remarks, pointing out how little investment international coaches have in Pakistan. He went on to say:
“Our foreign coaches aren’t here (in Pakistan) all the time. They don’t put efforts in going to the NCA and coaching youngsters or other coaches. They don’t work on the man-management and psychological side of things. Unhone to laddoo khilaaya hai hum sab ko (we are just being fooled).”
Wasim Akram
Gautam Gambhir shares his views on the role of emotions for coaches
Gautam Gambhir says that feelings matter in sports. They fuel both players and their trainers. He thinks that Rahul Dravid’s enthusiasm as the Indian head coach can’t be matched by any foreign coach.
Regarding this, Gambhir said:
“We have had so many great players who have won World Cups so if they want to come into the coaching setup, India and Pakistan need to back them as coaches. Emotions are very important in sport because when you wear that shirt, you know how much blood and sweat you have given to reach that level. If India don’t give extension to Rahul Dravid, I hope some Indian coach replaces him.”
Gautam Gambhir
Rahul Dravid has said yes to lengthen his time as the Indian team’s main coach. Still, he stated recently that he hasn’t signed the documents yet.
