Former Indian cricketer Yograj Singh has raised concerns about the current team’s player management following the struggles of senior players during the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India suffered a 1-3 series defeat against Australia, their first such loss in a decade, with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma failing to perform at their best.
Virat Kohli’s struggle with the technique
Kohli, despite starting the series on a high note with an unbeaten century in Perth, managed only 90 runs across his remaining eight innings. His long-standing weakness outside the off stump was exploited by Australian pacers Scott Boland, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc. Yograj criticized the team management for not intervening and advising Kohli to avoid playing the cover drive, a shot that repeatedly led to his dismissal.
“Someone should have guided him, saying, ‘Virat, don’t play this shot on these pitches.’ The ball bounces and carries more on Australian tracks, and adjustments are necessary,” Yograj told IANS, emphasizing the need for technical feedback and corrective measures.
Yograj highlights the need of man-management over coaching
Yograj highlighted the distinction between traditional coaching and effective man-management, particularly for players of Kohli and Rohit’s stature. “When you’re playing for India at this level, you don’t need typical coaching. What you need is someone who understands and manages you,” he said. He added that even the greatest players are not immune to technical flaws or mental blocks, making proper guidance essential.
Yograj stressed that the role of management is to uplift players when they are struggling. “Every player goes through a rough patch. What’s needed is someone to reassure them, saying, ‘Don’t worry, you’re a great player. This phase will pass.’ It’s about boosting morale and providing targeted technical advice when needed,” he remarked.
Call for stronger leadership
Reflecting on the Indian coaching setup under Gautam Gambhir, Yograj acknowledged Gambhir’s brilliance as a cricketer and leader. However, he emphasized the necessity of balancing constructive criticism with supportive management, especially for younger players.
“Management should help players understand the nuances of the game, provide guidance, and instill confidence. For instance, telling players like Rohit or Kohli, this happens to everyone, can go a long way in restoring their self-belief,” Yograj suggested.
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The 66-year-old concluded by reiterating the importance of an empathetic and proactive management approach. “When players are struggling, management can act as a magic wand, lifting them up and helping them regain their form. This balance between technical coaching and mental support is what the Indian team needs to succeed at the highest level,” he added further.
Chandigarh: Former Indian cricketer, Yograj Singh says, “A big question arises when it comes to coaching. When you’re playing for India, you shouldn’t need coaching if you’re a good player. You are representing India, and you only need management. Sometimes, a player’s mindset… pic.twitter.com/gfjSf3BFoV
— IANS (@ians_india) January 5, 2025
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