Former Indian cricketer Yograj Singh has raised concerns about the management of the team's players following the problems faced by senior players during the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy match. India lost the series 1-3 against Australia, their first loss in a decade, and Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma failure to perform very well.
Fighting against Virat Kohli is a strategy
Kohli, despite making a quick start to the campaign with an unbeaten century in Perth, managed just 90 over his remaining eight innings. His long-term weakness outside off-stump was exploited by the Australian pacers Scott Boland, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc. Yograj criticized the team management for not interfering and advised Kohli not to play the cover, a shot that led to his repeated dismissals.
Someone should have guided him, saying, 'Virat, don't play this shot on these pitches.' “Football skips and turns in Australia's ways, and change is essential,” Yograj told IANS, stressing the need for technical solutions and regulatory measures.
Yograj shows the importance of human resource management in teaching
Yograj pointed out the difference between traditional coaching and men's management, especially for players of Kohli and Rohit's stature. “When you play in India at this level, you don't need any formal training. What you need is someone who understands you and guides you,” he said. He said that even the biggest players are not without technical or ideological flaws, which makes the right guidance necessary.
Yograj emphasized that the responsibility of the management is to lift the players when they are struggling. “Every player goes through problems. All they need is someone to reassure them, to say, 'Don't worry, you're a great player. This phase will pass.' It is about promoting culture and providing technical advice when needed,” he said.
Call for strong leadership
Considering the Indian coaching setup below Gautam GambhirYograj acknowledged Gambhir's genius as a cricketer and leader. However, he stressed the importance of balancing constructive criticism with supportive management, especially for young players.
“Coaching should help players understand the complexities of the game, provide guidance, and build confidence. For example, telling players like Rohit or Kohli, this happens to everyone, would go a long way in restoring their confidence,” Yograj also said.
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The 66-year-old concluded by reiterating the importance of a compassionate and passionate approach to management. “When the players are struggling, the management can be like magic, lift them up and help them regain form. This synergy between technical coaching and emotional support is what the Indian team needs to be at its best,” he added.
Chandigarh: Former Indian cricketer, Yograj Singh says, “The big question comes in terms of coaching. When you play for India, you don't need to be coached if you are a good player. You are representing India, and it just needs management. Sometimes, the attitude of the players… pic.twitter.com/gfjSf3BFoV
– IANS (@ians_india) January 5, 2025